Effectiveness of pulpotomy in managing carious exposure in mature permanent teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This quantitative systematic review evaluated whether pulpotomy performed with hydraulic calcium silicate cements may be used as an alternative to root canal treatment (RCT) in mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. No language restrictions were applied. The search included randomised controlled trials that compared pulpotomy to root canal treatment for managing carious exposure in mature permanent teeth. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria: randomised controlled trials involving mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure, using hydraulic calcium silicate cements for pulpotomy. Non-comparative studies, case reports, and trials involving primary or immature permanent teeth were excluded. DATA: Data were extracted on success rates, clinical outcomes, follow-up periods, pain profiles, and potential complications. A meta-analysis was performed, revealing no statistically significant differences in success rates between pulpotomy and RCT. Both interventions demonstrated success rates exceeding 90 % at one-year and two-year follow-up periods. Pain profiles consistently showed lower post-operative pain intensity in the pulpotomy group compared to the RCT group during the first week. Potential complications, such as non-responsive pulp and difficulties in determining pulp vitality, were reported more frequently in the pulpotomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Pulpotomy with bioactive hydraulic calcium silicate cements shows comparable success rates to RCT in managing carious pulp exposure in mature permanent teeth. The results suggest pulpotomy as a viable, less invasive alternative to RCT, particularly in cases where preservation of pulp vitality is paramount. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This systematic review highlights pulpotomy as a less invasive and cost-effective alternative to root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth. With comparable success rates and lower post-operative pain, pulpotomy offers a promising approach to managing carious exposure and preserving tooth vitality.

Outcomes of vital pulp treatment in permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure with signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcomes and factors influencing the success of vital pulp treatment (VPT) in permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure and signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis (IP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental records from 2016 to 2023 of patients who received VPT for carious pulp-exposed permanent teeth with IP symptoms were reviewed. Outcomes were assessed using clinical and radiographic criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors affecting treatment success. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to compare survival probabilities. RESULTS: The overall success and survival rates were 88.24% and 97.06%, respectively. Success rates for direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy, and full pulpotomy were 87.7%, 92.0%, and 87.7%, respectively. Key factors influencing outcomes included the presence of periapical radiographic lesions, type of pulp dressing material, and quality of the final restoration. Full pulpotomy demonstrated the highest survival time, followed by partial pulpotomy and direct pulp capping. CONCLUSION: VPT in permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure and IP symptoms shows high success rates. Crucial factors include periapical radiographic findings, type of pulp dressing material, and quality of the final restoration. Full pulpotomy exhibited the longest survival time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VPT in teeth with IP symptoms shows promising outcomes, highlighting the importance of certain clinical factors in treatment success.

[The efficacy of iRoot BP plus in the treatment of adult carious pulp exposure and its impact on pulp blood flow].

PURPOSE: To explore the efficacy of iRoot BP plus in the treatment of adult carious pulp exposure and its impact on pulp blood flow. METHODS: A total of 126 cases of 156 permanent teeth from adult patients with carious pulp exposure who were treated from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected, the patients were divided into experimental group(63 cases with 79 permanent teeth) and control group(63 cases with 77 permanent teeth) by the envelope method. The experimental group was treated with iRoot BP plus, while the control group was treated with mineral trioxide polymer. The differences in treatment effectiveness, operation time, and tooth discoloration between the two groups were observed. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 22.0 software package. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in treatment success rates between the experimental group and the control group at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery(P＞0.05). The operating time for each capsule in the experimental group was (2.53±0.41) min, which was significantly shorter than that in the control group(P＜0.05). The incidence of tooth discoloration in the experimental group at 12 months after surgery was 3.80%, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (P＜0.05). The bite force quotient and masticatory efficiency of the experimental group 12 months after operation were (16.65±1.14) Ibs and (94.45±5.65)%, which were significantly higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IRoot BP plus has good efficacy in the treatment of adult carious pulp exposure, with advantages such as convenient operation, less tooth discoloration, less inflammatory reactions and stable pulp blood flow after decline.

Efficacy of pulpotomy for permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This meta-analysis aims to assess the success rate of pulpotomy in the treatment of permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure and to compare the efficacy of different capping materials. Randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Clinicaltrial.gov, and Cochrane Library until August 31, 2023. The pooled success rate was estimated in the overall population and in subgroups. Additional analyses comparing different capping materials using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were performed. The certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. A total of 25 randomized trials with an average follow-up duration ≥ 12 months were finally included. The overall success rate of pulpotomy was 86.7% (95%CI: 82.0-90.7%). The success rate was not significantly affected by root development, pulpotomy type, and follow-up duration. Teeth with irreversible pulpitis had a relatively lower success rate than teeth with normal pulp or reversible pulpitis (82.4% [95%CI: 74.6-89.0%] vs 92.0% [95%CI: 87.9-95.4%], P = 0.013). Directly compared to conventional calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate (88.2% vs 79.1%, OR = 2.41, 95%CI: 1.28-4.51, P = 0.006) and Biodentine (97.5% vs 82.9%, OR = 6.03, 95%CI: 0.97-37.6, P = 0.054) had higher successful rates. No significant difference between MTA and other biomaterials was found. The results were graded as very low to low certainty of evidence. In conclusion, pulpotomy is an effective treatment of permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure. Mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine can be recommended with more favorable outcomes as capping materials.

Determining Factors in the Success of Direct Pulp Capping: A Systematic Review.

AIM: To elucidate the factors that determine the success of direct pulp capping (DPC) in permanent teeth with pulp exposure due to dental caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive electronic search from 1980 to 2023 across PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web databases was conducted using specific keywords and MeSH terms in Q1 or Q2 journals. Only prospective/retrospective clinical studies in English on 15 or more human permanent teeth with carious pulpal exposure treated with DPC agents-mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, or calcium hydroxide with a rubber dam and minimum 1-year follow-up, were considered. The factors retrieved and analyzed were based on study design, patient age, sample size, type of cavity, exposure size and location, pulp diagnosis, solutions to achieve hemostasis, hemostasis time, capping material, restoration type, follow-up period, methods of evaluation, and overall success. REVIEW RESULTS: Out of 680 articles, only 16 articles were selected for the present systematic review on application of the selection criteria. A wide age range of patients from 6 to 88 years were considered among these studies with sample sizes ranging from 15 to 245 teeth with reversible pulpitis being the predominant diagnosis of the cases. Mineral trioxide aggregate as a capping material was evaluated in 4 studies as a lone agent, while compared with other capping agents such as biodentine or calcium hydroxide in 7 studies. The follow-up period ranged from 9 days to nearly 80 months. While both clinical and radiographic evaluation was carried out in all studies, cold testing dominated the clinical tests while IOPR was the common radiograph considered. Mineral trioxide aggregate success rate was higher and similar to biodentine than calcium hydroxide. CONCLUSION: Direct pulp capping has a high and predictable success rate in permanent teeth with carious exposure to reversible and irreversible pulpitis. Currently, mineral trioxide aggregate and biodentine have better long-term results in DPC than calcium hydroxide, hence, they should be used as an alternative to calcium hydroxide. Definitive restoration within a short period improves long-term prognosis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The significance of this review lies in its provision of evidence-based information on the effectiveness of DPC and the factors that influence its success. By considering these factors, clinicians can optimize treatment outcomes and improve the long-term prognosis of the treated teeth. This systematic review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers in the field of endodontics. How to cite this article: Gomez-Sosa JF, Granone-Ricella M, Rosciano-Alvarez M, et al. Determining Factors in the Success of Direct Pulp Capping: A Systematic Review. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):392-401.

The Other Side of Endodontics: Vital Pulp Therapy on Mature Permanent Teeth.

Vital pulp therapy (VPT) was once a treatment modality that was only considered for immature permanent teeth to allow for the continued development of the radicular system if the pulp was vital. With the advent of bioceramics and bioactive materials such as calcium silicate cements, the applications for VPT have greatly increased, giving dentists a treatment option other than nonsurgical root canal therapy (RCT) for mature teeth previously diagnosed to have an irreversible pulpitis. This approach can serve as a less invasive, simpler procedure than RCT while allowing for the preservation of natural tooth structure. It also may be a more amenable treatment alternative for patients than RCT. This article outlines and reviews the protocol for VPT with pulp exposure.

The management of deep carious lesions and the exposed pulp in fully developed and immature teeth with irreversible pulpitis: a questionnaire-based study among Greek dentists.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify the preferred management techniques used by dentists in Greece for treating deep carious lesions or pulp exposure during the removal of carious tissue in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Additionally, the study sought to explore how patient-related factors (such as age and symptoms) and operator-related factors (like material choice and the use of antibiotics) influence these management decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire, developed by five investigators, was divided into two parts: the first gathered respondent demographics, and the second presented clinical scenarios of deep carious lesions, requesting treatment strategies, materials used, and antibiotic prescription practices. The scenarios described patients with intense spontaneous pain and very deep carious lesions, differentiated by age and tooth development status.Data collection was via Google Drive, with analysis performed using SPSS 28, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study polled 453 Greek dentists about their treatment choices, for deep carious lesions in mature and immature teeth with irreversible pulpitis The majority favored root canal treatment for mature teeth, however quite a few opted for partial or cervical pulpotomy. MTA emerged as the preferred capping material, emphasizing its biocompatibility. Hemostasis management varied, with saline and sodium hypochlorite as popular choices. In cases of immature teeth, a shift towards vital pulp therapy was evident, reflecting a preference for preserving healthy pulp to avoid complex procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Challenges identified include varying treatment preferences, the significance of bleeding control in vital pulp therapy, and the limited use of antibiotics for irreversible pulpitis. While the study has limitations, including sample size and potential biases, its findings offer valuable insights into the decision-making processes of Greek dentists. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Future research and ongoing education within the dental community could contribute to standardizing treatment approaches and optimizing outcomes for patients with deep carious lesions and irreversible pulpitis.

One case of complicated crown root fracture of upper anterior teeth managed by multidisciplinary joint approaches.

Complicated crown root fracture is a serious combined fracture of the enamel, dentin, and cementum in dental trauma. The treatment method is complicated. During the procedure, the condition of pulp, periodontal, and tooth body should be thoroughly evaluated, and a multidisciplinary approach combined with sequential treatment is recommended. This case reported the different treatment and repair processes of one case of two affected teeth after complicated crown root fracture of upper anterior teeth, including regrafting of broken crown after flap surgery at the first visit, direct resin repair to remove broken fragments, and pulp treatment and post-crown repair at the second visit. After 18 months of follow-up, the preservation treatment of the affected teeth with complicated crown root fracture was achieved. Therefore, fragment reattachment and post-crown restoration are feasible treatment options for children with complicated crown root fracture.

Effects of mineral trioxide aggregate and methyl sulfonyl methane on pulp exposure via RUNX2 and RANKL pathways.

The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effects of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) on pulp damage due to pulp exposure through the RUNX2 and RANKL pathways. Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 4-6 months and weighing 250-300 g were divided into healthy, control, MTA, and MSM groups. After experimental applications, all rats at 2, 4, and 8 weeks were killed anesthetically with xylazine hydrochloride (Rompun, Bayer) 30 mg/kg and ketamine hydrochloride (Ketalar, Pfizer) 50 mg/kg injections (i.p.). We observed that necrotic odontoblasts, edema, inflammation, and vascular congestion findings were reduced from week 2 to week 8 in the MSM treatment group after pulp capping compared to the control group and MTA group. Similarly, we found a decrease in RUNX2 and RANKL levels in the MSM application group compared to the control and MTA groups (p < 0.05). MSM material has shown therapeutic effects on pulp capping treatment-induced pulp injury via increased RUNX2 ve RANKL expression.

[Treatment strategies for deep caries].

Deep caries occurs when caries progresses to the deep dentin layer, and further progression has the risk of pulp exposure, which may affect pulp vitality and tooth longevity. Currently, there are no objective standards for the diagnosis of deep caries. In addition, traditional therapy for deep caries emphasizes complete debridement of the decayed tissue, resulting in an incremental high risk of pulp exposure. There are different views on how to deal with the remaining dentin after caries removal, and root canal treatment is often adopted directly after pulp exposure. In recent years, due to advances in dental pulp biology, bioactive pulp-capping materials, and clinical evidence-based medicine, the principle of deep caries treatment has shifted to pulp protection. Based on the latest international research progress, evidence-based medicine and expert consensus, we present a series of advancements in this article, including the terminology of deep caries, pathological changes and defense mechanisms of the pulp close to the deep caries, treatment principles of deep caries, technical strategies for carious tissues removal, and the decision-making of treatment protocols after pulp exposure, with the aim of enhancing the understanding of deep caries among dentists, as well as providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of deep caries.

Vital Pulp Therapy of Young First Permanent Molars: A Retrospective Study on Radiographic Findings 24 Months Post-treatment.

PURPOSE: With success rates comparable to that of root canal treatment, vital pulp therapy (VPT) has gained clinical interest and has been used in the management of young permanent teeth with inflamed pulps. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the radiographic success of VPT in young first permanent molars 24 months post-treatment and correlate findings with tooth and treatment-related characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental records of all patients with first permanent molars which received VPT in the Department of Paediatric Dentistry (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) were retrieved. Demographic characteristics and data regarding the treatment performed were recorded. Patients' radiographs were evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 months post-treatment by two qualified paediatric dentists blinded regarding the treatment performed. Radiographic success, reasons for failure and continuation of root development were evaluated. Differences were tested using the Χ2 and Student's t-test, and possible correlations were determined by calculating the odds ratio. RESULTS: Overall radiographic success rate at 24 months was 77%, ranging between 50% for direct pulp capping and 92% for full pulpotomy. Differences were not statistically significant. Continuation of root development was recorded in almost 1/3 of the teeth and completion in almost 1/5. No statistically significant association was recorded between the outcome and any tooth and treatment-related variables. CONCLUSION: VPT seems to be a reliable option in the long term for the treatment of deep carious lesions in young permanent molars.

An Adolescent with Poorly Managed Asthma Referred for Pulp Therapy in a Permanent Tooth.

A 13-year old male patient with uncontrolled asthma presents with a grossly decayed permanent first molar. Medical consultation was obtained from a pulmonologist to understand the type and severity of asthma, history of allergies, aggravating factors, and medications. The patient was treated in the dental setting with nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation with benzodiazepine.

Immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures treated with partial pulpotomy using white mineral trioxide aggregate and IRoot BP plus-a retrospective long-term study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Calcium silicate cements have been widely used for pulpotomies in immature permanent teeth with complicated crown fractures due to their superior properties. However, few studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and iRoot BP Plus for partial pulpotomies. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of WMTA and iRoot BP Plus for partial pulpotomies in immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children who had partial pulpotomies of immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures using WMTA or iRoot BP Plus as capping agents were enrolled. Eighty immature permanent incisors in 68 children (aged 8-13 years) were included. They were divided into two groups (WMTA and iRoot BP Plus) according to the capping agents. Clinical and radiographic information was collected during a 5-year follow-up period. Study data were analyzed using Chi-square tests or Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: The clinical and radiographic success rates in the WMTA (n = 36) and iRoot BP Plus groups (n = 44) were 94.4% versus 97.7% and 88.9% versus 97.7%, respectively (both p < .05). The average observation period was 74.5 ± 13.2 months and 61.9 ± 1.6 months in the WMTA and iRoot BP Plus groups, respectively (p < .01). Five cases presented with periapical radiolucencies. The WMTA group had four cases of pulp canal calcification (11.1%), while the iRoot BP Plus group had two cases (4.6%). There was crown discolouration in all cases in the WMTA group, but none in the iRoot BP Plus group. CONCLUSION: Both WMTA and iRoot BP Plus had favorable outcomes in promoting physiological development and maintaining the basic functions of immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures. As a partial pulpotomy material, iRoot BP Plus may be more suitable for the esthetic zone than WMTA.

The effect of low-level laser on the quality of dentin barrier after capping with bioceramic material: A histomorphometric analysis.

The study aims to investigate the quality of dentin barriers and pulp reaction to EndoSequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) combined with low-level laser application. In eight dogs, pulps were exposed via class V, half of the samples received low-level diode laser at 870 nm. Thereafter, cavities were capped with fast-set or regular-set ERRM. The specimens were processed for histomorphological and immunohistochemical examination after 2 weeks and 2 months. Dentin bridges were observed in all samples, and 87.5% were complete. The low-level laser group had significantly more reparative dentin area than the non-lased group (p < 0.05). The dentin bridges were found to have an unprecedented tubularity of 43%-89%. Tiny dentin island formation was observed within the material particles. Initial mild-to-moderate inflammatory reactions were observed, which subsided after 2 months. RUNX2 and osteocalcin staining were evident for all samples at both time intervals. Low-level laser combined with bioactive ERRM is effective in inducing reparative dentin formation.

The outcome of partial pulpotomy in traumatized permanent anterior teeth - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Partial pulpotomy is a procedural intervention that can maintain the vitality of pulp during the management of traumatized permanent teeth with pulpal involvement. Aim: To evaluate whether partial pulpotomy can be considered a reliable conservative treatment option for treating traumatized permanent anterior teeth with pulpal involvement. Methodology: A computerized systematic search was performed in PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, and LILACS databases from 1980 to May 2021. Five studies were included in the final analysis. Quality assessment, Meta-analysis, and Publication bias of the studies were evaluated. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (ID - CRD42021262031). Result: The comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software was used. The test of the heterogeneity was analysed using Cochran's Q statistics. The Q value was 7.186 (df = 6) with a P value of 0.3 and I2 as 16.5%. The studies were considered homogenous, and the fixed-effect model showed an overall point estimate of 0.89 with a 95% confidence interval (0.86-0.91). The Begg and Egger funnel plot indicated that there was no publication bias in the included studies. Conclusion: Evidence indicates that partial pulpotomy may be considered a reliable definitive treatment option in asymptomatic traumatized permanent anterior teeth with exposed pulp rather than total pulpotomy.

Techniques for Preserving Pulp Vitality in an Asymptomatic Deep Carious Lesion: A Clinical Case Study.

When complete caries removal will lead to pulp exposure, partial caries removal may be considered as an alternative treatment option. Various techniques can be used in such situations to preserve pulp vitality. Incomplete removal of carious dentin and subsequent carious dentin sealing has been found to result in the arrest of carious lesions in deciduous and permanent teeth. This case report documents the treatment a young patient who presented with a mandibular left first molar that exhibited active coronal caries that had reached the apical third of the dentin. With a high risk of pulp exposure, the case demonstrates the use of conservative procedures that produced effective results in preserving pulp vitality.

Retrospective analysis of the outcomes of pulpotomies in traumatised permanent anterior teeth.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Complicated crown fractures are frequently encountered in the paediatric population and pulpotomy procedures (either partial or coronal) are recommended to maintain the pulp. The aim of this study was to determine the pulp outcomes of permanent teeth with complicated crown fractures treated with pulpotomy in a hospital-setting and to identify potential factors which may influence the outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data for this retrospective study were extracted from dental records of patients with complicated crown fractures and treated with pulpotomies at a single centre between 1 January 2015 and 30 August 2019. Pulp outcomes were determined, and the associations between the outcome and independent variables were assessed using the Chi-Square test of independence and the Point-Biserial Correlation Test. Predictors of outcome were identified using the binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: The overall success of pulpotomy in managing traumatised permanent teeth was 61%, which was lower than those previously reported. Pulp healing was seen in 54.1% and 73.7% of teeth treated with partial pulpotomies and coronal pulpotomies, respectively. The presence of a radiographically detectable dentine bridge (p < .01) and longer clinical experience of the clinician (p < .04) was significantly associated with successful outcomes. The history of pain and the stage of root development were identified as significant predictors of the outcome. CONCLUSION: Pulpotomy is a viable treatment modality for complicated crown fractures in the paediatric population. However, appropriate case selection and further training may be required to ensure improved pulp healing outcomes. A longer follow-up period should be considered to identify late-stage complications.

Protección pulpar directa y posterior apexogénesis: informe de un caso clínico / Direct pulp capping followed by apexogenesis: a clinical case report

Objetivo: Describir el tratamiento de un paciente que pre- sentó un incisivo superior permanente con exposición pulpar y desarrollo radicular incompleto utilizando Biodentine como material para la protección pulpar directa. Caso clínico: Un paciente de 9 años fue derivado para la evaluación y el tratamiento del diente 11. El examen clínico y radiográfico reveló la presencia de una fractura amelodentinaria, con exposición pulpar y desarrollo radicular incompleto. Luego de lavar y desinfectar el área de la fractura, se protegió la pulpa expuesta con Biodentine y se restauró la cavidad. El paciente fue citado para control a los 18 y 25 meses. En los controles se comprobó que el diente se mantuvo asintomático y funcional. Luego de 25 meses, el examen clínico y radiográfico confirmó la presencia de pulpa vital y el completo desarrollo del remanente radicular. Los resultados obtenidos en el presente caso clínico sugieren que el empleo de Biodentine puede ser considerado como una valiosa alternativa para la protección de la pulpa ex- puesta en dientes con desarrollo radicular incompleto (AU)

Aim: To describe the treatment of a patient that presented a permanent maxillary central incisor with pulp exposure and incomplete root formation, using Biodoentine as the material for direct pulp protection. Clinical case A 9-year-old male patient was referred for evaluation and treatment of tooth 11. The clinical and radio-graphic examination revealed the presence of a dentinoe- namel fracture, with pulp exposure and incomplete root for- mation. After cleaning and disinfecting the area, the exposed pulp was protected with Biodentine and the cavity was re- stored. The patient was scheduled for control after 18 and 25 months. In these evaluations, it was confirmed that the tooth remained asymptomatic and functional. After 25 months, the clinical and radiographic examination showed the presence of vital pulp and a completed development of the root. The obtained results of this clinical case suggest that Biodentine can be considered a valuable alternative for pulp capping in teeth with incomplete root formation (AU)

Decision-making for dental pulp exposure: a survey in graduate programs at Brazilian universities.

Clinical decision-making tends to be based on what clinicians have been taught during undergraduate and graduate programs. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical approach and to identify the factors that influence the decision-making for dental pulp exposure among graduate students and coordinating professors in endodontics programs offered at Brazilian universities. The study used a mail-out survey developed in the Qualtrics platform, based on seven clinical reports in which dental pulp exposure was evidenced. Descriptive statistics showing vital pulp therapy (VPT) and root canal treatment (RCT) were calculated for each clinical report. Data on the participants' (n = 113) profile and variables related to clinical and radiographic characteristics of the cases were evaluated as to their potential to affect decision-making and analyzed by logistic regression (p < 0.05). VPT was likely to be indicated in cases of patients with immature teeth (OR = 0.017; 95%CI = 0.004 -0.073). RCT indications were related to the presence of symptoms (OR = 5.326; 95%CI = 1.429-19.852) and old age (OR = 21.057; 95%CI=6.809-65.120). In pulp exposure secondary to trauma, time of pulp exposure was significantly associated with RCT indication (OR=3.267; 95%CI=1.332-8.012). The present study demonstrated that patient age, root development, and symptom features were the main factors affecting participants' decision-making.

Pulpal and periapical tissue response after direct pulp capping with endosequence root repair material and low-level laser application.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to investigate the pulp and periapical reaction and healing after capping with EndoSequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) combined with low-level laser application. METHODS: In 6 rabbits, pulps were exposed via class V, half of the samples received a low-level diode laser at 980 nm. Thereafter, cavities were capped with regular-set ERRM. The specimens were processed for histomorphological examination after 2 weeks and two months. RESULTS: After 2 weeks, images show mild inflammation and organized odontoblasts in lased group. The non-lased group shows more severe inflammation. The predentin thickness was thicker in the lased group with statistical significance (p < 0.05). After 2 months, inflammatory cells were sparse in both lased and non-lased groups. In the periapical area, group one showed dilated blood vessels and thick fibrous connective tissues. In group two, there were more numerous maturations of PDL fibers with scattered inflammatory cells and congested blood vessel. CONCLUSIONS: Using low-level laser therapy in combination with ERRM for pulp capping shortens the inflammatory phase and enhances healing.