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Long-term outcomes of primary tooth pulpectomy with and without smear layer removal: a randomized split-mouth
Patricia Nivoloni Tannure1, Camilla Pontes Azevedo, Roberta Barcelos
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate, via clinical and radiographic assessment, pulpectomy outcomes performed on primary anterior teeth both with and without a citric acid solution to enhance smear layer removal.
Methods:
Patients with a matched pair of primary incisors (split-mouth design) with irreversible pulp changes were selected. A total of 36 teeth (18 children) received pulpectomies and were followed for 36 months. Pulpectomies were performed using sodium hypochlorite and saline solution as canal irrigants; during the last irrigation, the tooth was randomly selected to receive ( Group 1) or not receive (Group 2) the citric acid solution for smear layer removal. The roots were filled with ZOE paste.
Results:
Overall pulpectomy success was 90.6%. Cases with smear layer removal were successful 82.3% of the time; those without smear layer removal, 88.2%, and there were no statistical differences (P=1.00).
Conclusion:
Pulpectomy with smear layer removal in primary incisors exhibited, after 36 months, a high success rate; however, comparable results were obtained when the smear layer was not removed.