Damaged first permanent molar: how conservative can we be?

It is a fact reported in the literature that the first permanent molar is the most frequently decayed tooth. Our treatment choice is based mainly on two clinical criteria: the degree of coronal decay and the damage to the pulp tissue. In the absence of pulp tissue necrosis, the following therapeutic gradient: indirect pulp capping, direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy, cameral pulpotomy should be implemented with the objective of maintaining pulp vitality regardless the degree of maturity of the molar.

In the case of pulp tissue necrosis, if the tooth is immature, stopping root construction and apical closure requires an apexification or endodontic regeneration technique. The prognosis of these necrotic teeth remains uncertain in the medium and long term (risk of fractures). This raises the question of the indication for avulsion of the first permanent molar (FPM).

The main objectives of this article are to present the means of conservation and their limits.

The decision to retain a FPM is based on several criteria, including assessment of pulpal status (which remains problematic, especially on immature permanent teeth) and the feasibility of coronal restoration. The decision to retain or extract a FPM must be the subject of a multidisciplinary discussion between a paediatric dental surgeon and a specialist qualified in dentofacial orthopaedics.