[Pulpectomy. Why? When?]

There are many circumstances under which the condition of the pulp calls for root canal work, due to the real or potential risk of pain, infection, inflammation or functional difficulties (acute, irreversible pulpitis, chronic pulpitic conditions, necrosis and its consequences, etc.). Other circumstances exist in which injury to the pulp is not necessarily irreversible: initial pulpitis, iatrogenic fracture of the pulp, traumatisms, dystrophic deteriorations. The high success rate for endodontic therapy could argue for elimination of impaired or necrose-prone pulp. In fact, however, unsuccessful pulpectomies often lead to loss of the dental organ and successful endodontic treatment severely weakens the whole tooth structure and often implies prosthetic restoration, with the consequent increase in tissular loss. In order to preserve pulp and crown tissues, pulpal vitality should be protected in all cases where such conservative efforts do not worsen the prognosis for maintaining the tooth on its arch or jeopardize a planned restoration. Solutions are presented for various types of situations, according to the risks encountered.