Is partial pulpotomy in cariously exposed posterior permanent teeth a viable treatment option?

Data sources PubMed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane, Open Grey. Journal of Dentistry; Journal of Endodontics; International Endodontic Journal; Australian Endodontic Journal; and Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and EndodonticsStudy selection Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts and/or full-text for randomised clinical trials and prospective clinical studies dealing with the success rate of treating cariously exposed vital human permanent posterior teeth with a partial pulpotomy. The cases were followed up for 6 to 24 months.Results The study included five randomised clinical trials and six prospective studies. The pooled data indicated that partial pulpotomy in carious exposed teeth had a success rate of 98%, 96% and 92% after 6 months and 1 and 2 years of follow-up. However, teeth with a presumptive diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis displayed significantly lower success rates. Interestingly, neither the pulp capping material used nor the status of the root apex (apical root closure) or age of the patient affected the treatment success rate.Conclusion The study reported high 2 year success rates when cariously exposed permanent posterior teeth were treated using a partial pulpotomy procedure.