Pulpotomy therapy in primary teeth: new modalities for old rationales

Pulpotomy therapy for the primary dentition has developed along three lines: devitalization, preservation, and regeneration. Devitalization, where the intent is to destroy vital tissue, is typified by formocresol and electrocautery. Preservation, the retention of maximum vital tissue with no induction of reparative dentin, is exemplified by glutaraldehyde and ferric sulfate treatment. Regeneration, the stimulation of a dentin bridge, has long been associated with calcium hydroxide. Of the three categories, regeneration is expected to develop the most rapidly in the coming years. Advances in the field of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) have opened new vistas in pulp therapy. Human BMPs with dentinogenic properties are becoming available through recombinant technology. We are now entering an era of pulpotomy therapy with healing as the guiding principle.