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Coronal pulpotomy for cariously exposed permanent posterior teeth with closed apices: A systematic review and
Hend Alqaderi1, Chun-Teh Lee2, Sary Borzangy3
1Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
Objectives:
This systematic review was performed to evaluate the clinical outcome of coronal pulpotomy treatment to manage carious vital pulp exposure in permanent posterior teeth with closed root apices.
Data/Sources:
PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline was used. A search of articles published between 1960 January and 2015 July was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases.
Study Selection:
Only studies that performed full coronal pulpotomy for carious vital pulp exposure of permanent posterior teeth and had clinical and radiographic assessments during at least one-year follow-up were qualified for data analyses. The weighted mean success rate (WSR) was the primary outcome and estimated using DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. Out of 299 articles, six studies were included for the analysis of one-year WSR, and five studies were included in the analysis of two-year WSR. The one-year and two-year WSR were 94% (95% confidence interval (CI): [90,99]) and 92% (CI: [84,100]) respectively. Differences in pulp capping and restoration materials did not significantly affect success rates (Two-year WSR in the MTA and MTA-like products group vs. the calcium hydroxide group: 92% (CI: [85,99]) vs. 88% (CI: [76,100]); the amalgam group vs. the composite group: 92% (CI: [81,100]) vs. 93% (CI: [81,100])).
Conclusions:
Generally, full coronal pulpotomy had a favorable success rate in treating carious vital pulp exposure of permanent mature teeth with closed root apices. More studies with control group of root canal treated teeth and longer follow-up periods are needed.
Clinical Significance:
Coronal pulpotomy treatment can be considered as an intermediate treatment option in managing carious vital pulp exposures of permanent teeth with closed root apices. This option may also serve as a substitute to extraction when root canal treatment cannot be performed for low income and uninsured patients or in underserved areas.
