Current and potential pulp therapies for primary and young permanent teeth

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional therapies for primary and young permanent teeth pulps include indirect pulp capping, direct pulp capping, pulpotomies, and pulpectomies.
• Direct pulp capping has historically had limited success but is being re-evaluated with new materials.
• There is a growing trend in pediatric dentistry to explore alternatives to formocresol and calcium hydroxide for pulpotomy treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform dental practitioners about the latest advancements in pulp treatment strategies for primary and young permanent teeth.
• To highlight emerging techniques and materials that offer improved success rates and tissue preservation.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental animal research, clinical studies, and case reports.
• Analysis of novel approaches including growth factors, electrocautery, and new dental adhesives.
• Evaluation of updated protocols for indirect pulp capping, direct pulp capping, pulpotomies, and pulpectomies.

Main Results:

• New dental adhesives are being investigated for direct pulp capping and various pulpotomy protocols (partial and complete).
• Studies on iodoform paste for pulpectomies indicate high success rates, potentially simplifying the procedure.
• Emerging treatments for pulpotomy include growth factors and electrocautery, offering alternatives to traditional agents.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians are increasingly focusing on pulp preservation through advanced indirect pulp therapy and partial pulpotomy.
• Formocresol and calcium hydroxide pulpotomies may face competition from novel chemical treatments, electrocautery, and growth factor-based therapies.
• Iodoform pastes present a promising option for more successful and straightforward pulpectomy procedures, while new bonding materials could revolutionize direct pulp capping and pulpotomy techniques.