Exposed human pulp caused by trauma and/or caries in primary dentition: a histological evaluation

The aim of this study was to compare the pulpal reactions after exposure due to trauma and/or caries and to suggest the appropriate treatment options for the management of pulp, in the light of the histological findings in the primary teeth. Fifteen primary maxillary incisors with pulpal exposure were examined with light microscope in a blind study. After the histological evaluation, teeth were divided into three groups for the etiological factors due to the exposure according to the patient's files: trauma group, caries group and caries and trauma group. The inflammatory infiltration was diminished from the pulp chamber towards the apical third of the root canal in all of the examined teeth. Teeth in the trauma group presented fewer inflammatory cells in the root canal in comparison with other groups. It was concluded that the teeth with traumatic pulp exposure were considered as more likely to respond positively to pulpotomy technique. Pulpectomy or extraction seemed to be indicated for the decayed or decayed and traumatically injured teeth.