Comparing Oral Microbiota Changes after Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy in Pediatric Patients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Pediatric dental procedures like pulpotomy and pulpectomy are crucial for primary teeth.
• Instrumentation choice, traditional rotary vs. laser, impacts oral microbiota.
• Understanding these microbial shifts is vital for pediatric oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare oral microbiota changes after pediatric pulpotomy/pulpectomy.
• To evaluate differences between traditional rotary instruments and laser technology.
• To assess the impact of instrumentation on microbial diversity and composition.

Main Methods:

• 60 pediatric patients (4-10 years) underwent pulpotomy/pulpectomy.
• Randomized groups: traditional rotary instruments (Group A) vs. dental laser (Group B).
• Saliva and plaque samples analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing at baseline, post-procedure, and 1-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both methods initially decreased microbial diversity; laser showed a more pronounced reduction.
• One-month follow-up: traditional instruments showed partial recovery, laser group maintained lower diversity.
• Laser treatment shifted composition, decreasing pathogens and increasing beneficial bacteria compared to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• Both traditional and laser instrumentation significantly impact pediatric oral microbiota post-procedure.
• Laser technology demonstrates a more sustained effect on microbial diversity and composition.
• Long-term clinical implications of these microbiota changes require further investigation.