One year clinical success of pulpectomy in primary molars with iodoform-calcium hydroxide paste

In order to retain primary molars, eg with irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis, pulpectomy can be an alternative to extraction. However, reports on the success of pulpectomies in primary teeth vary widely in the literature. Thus, the objective of this study was not only to analyze the success rate of primary tooth pulpectomy 12 months posttreatment in the setting of a specialized clinic, but also to identify and analyze various factors that modify the outcome.

Between 2012 and 2018, a total of 76 dental records of the Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Greifswald fulfilled the inclusion criteria, resulting in a 1-year analysis of 62 primary molars with an idoform-calcium hydroxide paste as root canal filling material almost exclusively covered by a stainless steel crown as restoration.

The pulpectomy treatment was successful after 1 year in 93.5%, with a significantly higher survival for mandibular primary molars (100.0% vs 83.3%; chi-square test P = .01). Apart from the very few cases in the mixed dentition, no other factors related to the patient (sex, caries level, general health conditions, distance to clinic), tooth (first or second primary molar, pulpal and periapical condition before treatment), or treatment (indication, academic qualification of the operator, number of visits) proved to be of significance for the treatment outcome due to the overall high success rate.

Pulpectomies for pulpally involved or even necrotic primary molars followed by stainless steel crowns as restoration should be considered as a treatment option, especially in the mandible. (Quintessence Int 2021;52:528-537; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b1244443).