Assessment of a Canine Crown Reduction Technique in Nonhuman Primates

The purpose of the study reported here was to evaluate the applicability of a pulpotomy technique used in human dentistry for canine crown reduction in nonhuman primates. General anesthesia was induced on seven male rhesus monkeys, and their canine teeth were amputated at the level of the occlusal surface of the premolars and incisors, using a water-cooled highspeed dental handpiece and a tapered diamond burr. A pulpal access cavity was established. Teeth with vital pulps were capped with calcium hydroxide, varnish, and amalgam. Disarmed canine teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically during the subsequent 19 weeks. At the conclusion of this period, the monkeys were euthanatized, and the canine teeth were collected for histomorphologic assessment. At the end of the 19-week period, all 27 teeth had intact amalgam seals, 26 had a normal radiographic periodontal ligament space, and 26 had viable pulp, as determined on the basis of histomorphologic evaluation. Thus, 26 of 27 (96%) of the teeth on which the pulpotomy technique was performed were considered viable and, hence, had a successful outcome.