Postoperative pain after total pulpotomy and root canal treatment in mature molars according to the new and traditional classifications of pulpitis: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative pain following total pulpotomy (TP) and root canal treatment (RCT) in mature molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis. To compare the traditional pulpitis classification system with the Wolters system in evaluating postoperative pain. METHODS: Eighty mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis were included and classified according to the Wolters (moderate/severe pulpitis). The teeth were randomly assigned to two groups (RCT or TP). RCT was performed following standardized protocols. TP was performed to the level of the canal orifices, and hemostasis was achieved with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. A 3 mm layer of MTA was placed as the pulpotomy material. The teeth were restored with glass ionomer cement followed by composite. Pain scores were recorded preoperatively and, at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days after the interventions. The data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, the Friedman test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the Spearman's correlation test. The significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were analyzed at the one-week follow-up and all were diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis according to the AAE; 22 teeth were classified as moderate and 42 teeth were classified as severe pulpitis according to Wolters. There was no significant difference between TP and RCT in pain scores in moderate pulpitis patients (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between TP and RCT at 24 and 72 h of severe pulpitis; higher pain scores were observed in the RCT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with moderate pulpitis, the TP procedure allowed symptom relief more quickly than RCT. In patients with severe pulpitis, TP provided for significantly lower pain scores compared to RCT at both 24 and 72 h. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05923619). Date of Registration: 06/16/23.

Elective full pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a two years retrospective study.

AIM: To investigate the outcome of elective full pulpotomy, using calcium silicate-based cements (CSBC), after 2 years, in symptomatic mature permanent teeth with carious lesions, diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis, and analyse the capacity of Wolters et al. (2017) classification to predict the likelihood of treatment failure. METHODS: The treatment records of 56 patients with symptomatic mature teeth with carious lesions, diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis and treated by elective full pulpotomy, using CSBCs as pulp capping materials, were reviewed. Thirteen teeth were excluded. The remaining 43 teeth were evaluated retrospectively at 24 months. Fisher`s exact test with the Lancaster's mid-P adjustment was used to assess different outcomes amongst the diagnostic categories. RESULTS: Four of the cases failed before 24 months and required root canal treatment (RCT). Overall success rate at 2 years was 90.7% (39 of 43). An inverse, but non-significant, correlation was observed between the severity of pulpitis according to the Wolters classification and the treatment success rate (p > 0.05). The type of CSBC used was associated to the success rate (OR = 10.5; 95% C.I. = 0.5 - 207.4; p = 0.027), being 82% with Endosequence and 100% with Biodentine. Postoperative pain associated significantly to lower success rate (66.7%) (Odds ratio = 8.0; 95% C.I. = 0.7 - 95.9; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Elective full pulpotomy using a CSBC was a successful choice for the treatment of mature permanent teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. There were no significant differences between the success rate of mild, moderate and severe pulpitis. Postoperative pain could be considered a risk marker for failure of full pulpotomy. The term "irreversible pulpitis" should be re-signified to indicate the need for access to the pulp chamber, rather than an indication for extraction or RCT.

Pain, anxiety, and catastrophizing among pregnant women with dental pain, undergoing root canal treatment.

This prospective study aims to evaluate dental pain, anxiety, and catastrophizing levels in pregnant women undergoing root canal treatment. Sixty pregnant and non-pregnant women presenting dental pain and an indication for root canal treatment were included in the study. Dental anxiety and catastrophizing were investigated using validated questionnaires. The endodontic intervention was performed, and a numerical scale measured preoperative and postoperative dental pain. The results were analyzed using STATA software 12.0. Unadjusted analyses assessed the association between pregnancy and pain, anxiety, and catastrophizing levels. Multiple linear regression models using 'forward stepwise' entry procedures were used to assess the independent effects of variables on pain scores. The significance level was set at 0.05. Initially, most patients experienced intense dental pain. The levels of dental pain, dental anxiety, and catastrophizing did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Logistic regression showed that postoperative pain was associated with irreversible pulpitis diagnosis (OR = 4.78; 95%CI 1.55-13.55) and high catastrophizing levels (OR = 1.96; 95%CI 1.01-3.84). Preoperative and postoperative pain rates and anxiety and catastrophizing were similar between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Postoperative pain was associated with irreversible pulpitis diagnosis and high catastrophizing levels. The similarity between pregnant and non-pregnant women regarding preoperative and postoperative dental pain and catastrophizing and anxiety levels supports the indication of root canal treatment during the gestational period whenever necessary.

Comparative effectiveness of preemptive administration of ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine on the anesthetic success of inferior alveolar nerve block in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis - A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the impact of premedication with ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine and the influence of preoperative pain and anxiety on inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) efficacy in cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 150 SIP patients who were randomly assigned to receive ibuprofen (600 mg), ibuprofen-arginine (1,155 mg), or a placebo 30 min before IANB. Preoperative anxiety and pain levels were assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and the Heft-Parker visual scale. IANB efficacy was determined by the absence of or mild pain during the procedure. Statistical analysis included chi-square, z-tests, Analysis of Variance, and Student's t tests. RESULTS: The ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine groups exhibited significantly higher IANB success rates (62% and 78%, respectively) compared to the placebo group (34%). However, no significant difference was observed between the ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine groups. Patients with successful IANB in the ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine groups displayed lower median anxiety scores (8) than those with failed blocks (15) and lower mean preoperative pain scores (118.3). CONCLUSION: In cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis the preemptive medication with ibuprofen-arginine effectively increased the efficacy of the inferior alveolar nerve block The inferior alveolar nerve block efficacy was influenced by preoperative anxiety levels and the intensity of pain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This research underscores the potential benefits of oral premedication with ibuprofen and ibuprofen-arginine in improving anesthesia outcomes in cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Effect of Back-Pressure Anesthesia on Postoperative Pain after the Endodontic Treatment in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The present study evaluated the effect of 2 different back pressure-based supplemental anesthesia on postoperative pain in patients receiving endodontic treatment for a mandibular molar with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. METHODS: One-hundred-thirty-five adult patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpits in a mandibular first or second molar, received an initial inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) injection with 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine. Ten minutes following the injection, access to cavity preparation began. Lip numbness was a must for all patients. The Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (HP-VAS) was used to measure pain during endodontic therapy. Success of primary injections was defined as no or mild pain (less than 55 mm on HP-VAS) during access preparation. The patients with initial successful anesthesia served as control and received endodontic treatment. Ninety-five patients with unsuccessful primary anesthesia randomly received either intraligamentary injections of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine or intrapulpal injections with similar anesthetic solution. Endodontic treatment was re-initiated and canals were instrumented till working length under copious irrigation. Intracanal medicament of calcium hydroxide was placed and teeth received a temporary restoration. Postoperative pain was measured at 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours, and 3 days. Data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The initial initial inferior alveolar nerve block was successful in 40 cases (out of 135). The intraligamentary injections were successful in 33 out of 47 cases (70%), and intrapulpal injections were successful in all cases (45/45). The patients receiving intraligamentary injections reported significantly higher pain scores at all intervals till 24 hours. After 3 days, the pain significantly reduced in all the groups with no significant difference between them. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving supplementary intraligamentary injections can experience increased postoperative pain till 24 hours after the endodontic treatment. The pain scores reduced to the level of the control group after 3 days.

Treatment outcomes of pulpotomy versus pulpectomy in vital primary molars diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: protocol for a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pulpectomy continues to be the standard treatment recommendation for management of vital primary molars diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The recent decade has seen a paradigm shift in the treatment concepts of how vital mature permanent molars diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis can be more conservatively managed using vital pulp therapy techniques like pulpotomy. However, despite emerging evidence indicating similarities between primary and permanent tooth pulp response to dental caries, there is limited research on whether pulpotomy can be similarly used as a definitive treatment modality for vital primary teeth with irreversible pulpitis. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to compare the treatment effectiveness of pulpotomy versus pulpectomy in management of vital primary molars diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis over a two-year period. METHODS/DESIGN: This clinical study is a parallel, two-armed, open label, non-inferiority RCT with a 1:1 allocation ratio between the experimental intervention arm (pulpotomy) and the active comparator arm (pulpectomy). Healthy cooperative children, between 4-9 years of age, who have painful primary molars with clinical symptoms typical of irreversible pulpitis will be recruited after obtaining informed consent from their parents/legal guardians. 50 vital primary molars clinically diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis will be randomly distributed between the two treatment arms. The primary outcomes that will be assessed are clinical and radiographic success after six-months, one-year and two-years of the trial interventions. The influence of baseline pre-operative variables (age; gender; tooth type; site of caries; pre-operative furcal radiolucency; pre-operative pain intensity) and intra-operative factors (time taken to achieve haemostasis) on treatment outcomes will also be assessed. The secondary outcome evaluated will be the immediate (24 h and 7 d) post-operative pain relief afforded by the two treatment interventions. DISCUSSION: This trial seeks to provide evidence on whether pulpotomy treatment can be no worse than the standard pulpectomy treatment for the management of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in vital primary molars. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06183203). Registered on 30 January 2024.

Outcome and Prognostic Factors for Partial and Full Pulpotomy in the Management of Spontaneous Symptomatic Pulpitis in Carious Mature Permanent Teeth: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the outcome and prognostic factors for partial and full pulpotomy in the management of mature teeth with spontaneous symptomatic pulpitis. METHODS: The study was a parallel double-blind randomized clinical trial; 200 carious mature permanent teeth with spontaneous symptomatic pulpitis were randomized using a block randomization technique to either partial pulpotomy (n = 99) or full pulpotomy (n = 101). Intraoperative assessment of the pulp under magnification was performed, hemostasis was achieved with a 2.5% sodium hypochlorite moist pellet, and NeoPUTTY (Avalon Biomed, Bradenton, FL) was the pulpotomy material. Preoperative pain levels were recorded and re-evaluated after 1 week. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed after 6 and 12 months. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, the Wilcoxon rank test, and regression analysis. RESULTS: At 1 week, immediate failure occurred in 4 cases in partial pulpotomy, and 196 of 200 subjects reported pain relief and were satisfied with the treatment with no significant difference. At 6 months, 6 teeth failed in the partial pulpotomy group and 1 tooth in the full pulpotomy group, with a higher success rate for full pulpotomy (98.96 vs 89.69, P = .003). At 12 months, the recall rate was 98% (96/200). Full pulpotomy was more successful than partial pulpotomy (98.98% [98/99] vs 84.53% [82/97], P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of success for full pulpotomy were 13.6 times higher than partial pulpotomy. Increased age and higher time to hemostasis were significantly associated with decreased odds of success. CONCLUSIONS: Full pulpotomy has a higher success rate than partial pulpotomy in the management of spontaneous symptomatic pulpitis. Hemostasis within 4 minutes in partial pulpotomy can be set as the cutoff point beyond which further tissue removal is indicated.

Novel cryotherapy technique for pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis- a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of cryotherapy on haemostasis, post-operative pain, and the outcome of full pulpotomy performed in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included sixty mature permanent mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and no periapical rarefaction. After coronal pulp tissue amputation, teeth were randomly allocated to one of two groups (n = 30 each). In group I (conventional pulpotomy), a sterile cotton pellet moistened with 2.5% NaOCl was used for haemostasis. In group II (cryotherapy), the pulp chamber was continuously lavaged with 2.50C normal saline solution for haemostasis using an indigenous portable cryotherapy irrigation unit. Following haemostasis, the pulp was capped with mineral trioxide aggregate and the tooth was restored with resin composite. The time taken to achieve haemostasis was recorded. Preoperative and 24, 48 and 72 h postoperative pain was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale. The pulpotomy outcome was assessed at the 12-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using Fischer's exact test, two-sample t-test, two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Friedman Test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. RESULTS: The cryotherapy group achieved haemostasis in less time (p < 0.05). There was a significant pain reduction at 24 and 48 h in the cryotherapy group when compared with the conventional pulpotomy group (P < 0.005). The overall success rate of pulpotomy after 12 months was 88% (n = 22) in both study groups(p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cryotherapy application reduces postoperative pain and has no adverse effect on the outcome of pulpotomy in permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The cryotherapy can be incorporated in pulpotomy protocol as an adjunct to minimize post-operative pain.

Evaluation of Postoperative Pain after Using Dexamethasone Intracanal Rinse in Irreversible Pulpitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone as a final intracanal rinse in relieving postoperative pain of teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Operative Dentistry, PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan, from June 2019 to December 2020. METHODOLOGY: Sixty patients aged 18- 50 years diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were selected according to the inclusion criterion. After obtaining informed consent, root canal therapy (RCT) was initiated under rubber dam. Pulpectomy was done followed by canal preparation. The lottery method was utilised for the division of patients. Group A (experimental) received dexamethasone (4mg/ml in 5ml syringe) as a final rinse, while Group B (control group) recalled after 1 week and asked whether their pain had relieved or not as a yes/no question. After data collection teeth were obturated and permanent restoration was placed. Data were analysed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The efficacy of dexamethasone as a final intracanal rinse was greater than saline 86.67% and 20.0%, respectively (p < 0.05) in relieving postoperative pain in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone was proved to be more efficacious than saline in alleviating postoperative pain when used as a final intracanal rinse after canal instrumentation. KEY WORDS: Irreversible pulpitis, Dexamethasone, Postoperative pain, Pulpectomy.

A retrospective study on iRoot BP Plus full pulpotomy for primary molars with partial irreversible pulpitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to observe the outcomes of iRoot BP Plus full pulpotomy in primary molars with partial irreversible pulpitis retrospectively. METHODS: Collect 102 cases of primary molars with partial irreversible pulpitis undergoing iRoot BP Plus full pulpotomy from January 2019 to August 2023, with a follow-up period of 24-47 months. Based on the presence of irreversible pulpitis symptoms before surgery, the included cases will be divided into asymptomatic group (n=53) and symptomatic group (n=49). Observe the clinical and imaging success rates of both groups. RESULTS: Clinical success rates were 96.2% and 97.9% in asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, and radiographic success rates were 96.2% and 93.9% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: iRoot BP Plus full pulpotomy can be used for the treatment of primary molars with partial irreversible pulpitis under an enhanced pulpotomy protocol.

Successful Healing of Periapical Pathology with Partial Pulpotomy in a Mature Permanent Molar: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Vital pulp therapy approaches are preferred over non-surgical root canal treatment, giving the advantage of preserving the vitality of the dental pulp and thus maintaining its benefits. Such approaches can be performed in teeth having normal apical area; however, performing vital pulp therapy approaches in teeth associated with periapical pathology remains controversial. CASE REPORT We present a case of a mature mandibular right first permanent molar tooth in a medically fit 10-year-old female diagnosed as asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis with asymptomatic apical periodontitis with periapical radiolucency having a periapical index (PAI) score of 4. Partial pulpotomy was performed instead of non-surgical root canal treatment due to uncooperativeness of the patient. Biodentine was used as a pulp capping material. The tooth was restored with resin composite permanent restoration. Six months after the procedure, an intraoral periapical radiograph revealed normal bone features with complete periapical pathology healing and development of intact lamina dura around the mesial and distal roots. The tooth responded normal to electric pulp testing (EPT), cold, percussion, and palpation tests. CONCLUSIONS Periapical pathology involvement having large periapical radiolucency exhibiting PAI score 4 in inflamed dental pulp tooth diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis does not necessitate non-surgical root canal treatment. Partial pulpotomy should be considered as an alternative treatment to promote the return dental pulp and periapical tissue to a healthy condition. Considering a similar approach in older patients would be interesting to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its potential as a treatment method.

Comparative evaluation of cervical pulpotomy and pulpectomy for primary molars with irreversible pulpitis: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The objective of this multicentre randomised controlled trial was to compare the clinical/radiographic outcomes of cervical pulpotomy using calcium-enriched mixture cement (PCEM) and pulpectomy using Metapex (PM) in primary molars with irreversible pulpitis (IP). METHODS: A total of 134 primary molars from 94 children were randomly assigned to two intervention groups: the PCEM group (n = 74) and the PM group (n = 60). Baseline characteristics including age/gender/molar type/tooth type/jaw were recorded. The primary outcome measures were clinical/radiographic success rates assessed at the first and second follow-up appointments. Secondary outcomes included reasons for clinical/radiographic failures. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of various factors on the success rates. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants in both groups was similar (PCEM group: 5.4 years, PM group: 5.5 years). Gender distribution, molar type, tooth type, jaw, and number of practitioners were comparable between the groups. The clinical success rate at the first follow-up was 98.6% in the PCEM group and 96.4% in the PM group. At the second follow-up, the clinical success rate was 97.1% in the PCEM group and 91.1% in the PM group. The radiographic success rates at the first and second follow-up were 98.6% and 96.4% in the PCEM group and 96.4% and 91.1% in the PM group, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis did not reveal any significant association between the success rates and age/gender/molar type/jaw, or treatment groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In primary molars with IP, both simple/conservative cervical pulpotomy using calcium-enriched mixture cement and pulpectomy using Metapex demonstrated high clinical/radiographic success rates. No significant differences were observed between the two treatment modalities. These findings suggest that both techniques can be considered effective treatment options for managing primary molars with IP. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Trial registration number: IRCT20201226049838N1, retrospectively registered on 12 January 2021.

Pulpotomy for teeth with irreversible pulpitis in immature permanent teeth: a retrospective case series study.

To evaluate the success of pulpotomy in treating immature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis. This case series included patients with irreversible pulpitis admitted to the Department of Oral Medicine at the author's Hospital between 2015 and 2020. The pulpotomies were carried out by clinicians with > 5 years of working experience. The follow-up findings and radiographic images were reviewed by two attending dentists. This study included 49 teeth from 48 children (25 boys and 23 girls). The follow-up was 23.3 ± 6.8 months (from 12 to 40 months). The success rate of pulpotomy was 85.7% (42/49). Pulpotomy failed in seven teeth (14.3%). The treatment success rate for traumatic crown fracture was lower than for dental caries and dens evaginatus (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the success rate of the pulp-capping agent, tooth root developmental phase, and pulpotomy method (all P > 0.05). Pulpotomy might be successfully used to treat immature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis in young patients mainly caused by caries and a fractured tubercle of dens evaginatus.

Efficacy of articaine anesthesia with needle-free/Comfort-in method and conventional needle injection in dental patients with irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the anesthetic efficacy of articaine with the needle-free/Comfort-in™ method compared to the conventional needle method. To assess pain during anesthesia application, onset of anesthesia and patient`s self-reported quality of life-related to oral health after the dental emergency appointment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This parallel, randomized clinical trial was conducted by a single operator/dentist in the state of Maranhao, northeast of Brazil. Included participants were adult dental patients with one molar (maxillary) or premolar (maxillary or mandibular) tooth diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The primary outcome was the anesthetic efficacy, measured using a combination of electrical and cold pulp tests (cold + EPT) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes were pain during anesthesia application, onset of anesthesia, and patient`s quality-of-life (measured with the OHIP-14). RESULTS: 62 patients were randomized in the anesthesia needle-free group and Comfort-in group (34.26 ± 10.786 × 33.29 ± 8.399 years old, respectively). The group of patients in the Comfort-in group had 71.0% success. Patients from the Comfort-in group reported statistically lower pain during the anesthesia application than patients from the conventional group (2.13 ± 2.172 × 6.03 ± 3.146 NRS scores, respectively) as well as immediately after the anesthetic procedure. Patients self-reported negative impact in quality of life was similar between groups before (p > 0.05) and after (p > 0.05) the dental emergency. CONCLUSIONS: Comfort-in™ had similar efficacy to the conventional needle method. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This trial showed that it is possible to anesthetize patients with tooth pulpits without using needles to provide comfort mainly to anxious patients.

Irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent teeth: a cost-effectiveness analysis of pulpotomy versus root canal treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based dentistry suggests pulpotomy as a potential alternative to root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis. However, the evidence surrounding the cost-valuation and cost-efficacy of this treatment modality is not yet established. In this context, we adopted an economic modeling approach to assess the cost-effectiveness of pulpotomy versus root canal treatment, as this could aid in effective clinical decision-making. METHODS: A Markov model was constructed following a mature permanent tooth with irreversible pulpitis in an 18-year-old patient over a lifetime using TreeAge Pro Healthcare 2022. Transition probabilities were estimated based on existing literature. Costs were estimated based on the United States healthcare following a private-payer perspective and parameter uncertainties were addressed using Monte-Carlo simulations. The model was validated internally by sensitivity analyses, and face validation was performed by an experienced endodontist and health economist. RESULTS: In the base case scenario, root canal treatment was associated with additional health benefit but at an increased cost (1.08 more years with an incremental cost of 311.20 USD) over a period of an individual's lifetime. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed pulpotomy to be cost-effective at lower Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) values (99.9% acceptable at 50 USD) whereas increasing the values of WTP threshold root canal treatment was a cost-effective treatment (99.9% acceptable at 550 USD). CONCLUSION: Based on current evidence, pulpotomy was a cost-effective treatment option at lower WTP values for the management of irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent teeth. However, by increasing the WTP threshold, root canal treatment became a more cost-effective treatment option over a period of lifetime of an individual.

Randomized clinical trial of pulpotomy using a premixed injectable calcium silicate cement on mature permanent teeth with reversible pulpitis.

The aim of this two-center randomized controlled trial was to assess the outcomes and relative factors associated with pulpotomies performed using a premixed injectable calcium silicate cement, as compared to mineral trioxide aggregate in mature permanent premolar and molar teeth with reversible pulpitis. Included teeth were randomly divided into two groups according to pulpotomy material (ProRoot MTA [PMTA] group, Endocem MTA Premixed [EPM] group). After pulp exposure, the superficial pulp was either removed to a depth of 2 mm (partial pulpotomy) or completely amputated to the level of the root canal orifice (full pulpotomy). A 3-mm layer of either material was randomly placed over the pulp wound, followed by the application of a thin layer of a light-cured glass ionomer composite liner. The restoration procedure was then carried out during the same visit. After one year of treatment, the pulpotomy success rate was 94.4% (67/71), with no significant difference between the PMTA and EPM groups. The success rate was 93.9% in the PMTA group and 97.1% in the EPM group. There were no significant factors related to the procedures. EPM is a viable alternative to PMTA for single-visit pulpotomies of permanent premolars and molars.

[One-way membrane decompression for vital pulp therapy in irreversible pulpitis: a case report].

Irreversible pulpitis is characterized by inflammation of the pulp, leading to secondary interstitial hypertension and blood circulation disorders. This study explores the development of one-way membrane decompression to alleviate interstitial hypertension in the inflamed pulp and prevent the invasion of oral microorganisms into the pulp tissue. Additionally, this technique aims to improve the microcirculation of the pulp tissue by consistently reducing the pressure within the pulp cavity. Once the inflamed pulp tissue is restored, permanent crown filling can be performed. In this paper, we present a case study involving a patient with irreversible pulpitis who underwent vital pulp treatment using the one-way decompressed membrane. A four-year follow-up evaluation revealed satisfactory outcomes.

Effect of preemptive use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a corticosteroid on the efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve blockade and postoperative pain control in endodontic treatment of molars with symptomatic pulpitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIM: The anaesthetic success rate of an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in mandibular molars with irreversible symptomatic pulpitis can be low, and postoperative pain control in teeth with this diagnosis can be challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preemptive use of dexamethasone and oral potassium diclofenac on the success of IANB. The influence of these drugs on the intensity of postoperative pain was assessed as a secondary outcome. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-four patients with mandibular molars diagnosed with irreversible symptomatic pulpitis recorded preoperative pain intensity using a cold thermal test and a modified Numerical Rating Scale (mNRS). Sixty minutes before the anaesthetic procedure, patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups based on the medication they received: dexamethasone (4 mg), diclofenac potassium (50 mg), or placebo. All patients received IANB with 4% articaine (1:200 000 epinephrine), and 15 min later, they were evaluated for pain intensity using the cold thermal test. Anaesthetic success was analysed. The pain intensity was then recorded, and endodontic treatment and provisional restoration of the tooth were executed in a single session. Patients were monitored for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h using the mNRS to assess the intensity of postoperative pain. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in anaesthetic success when 4 mg dexamethasone (39.3%) or 50 mg diclofenac potassium (21.4%) was used compared to the placebo group (3.6%) (p < .001), with no significant difference between the two drugs. Regarding postoperative pain, dexamethasone was superior to placebo at 6 h (p < .001), with diclofenac having an intermediate behaviour, not differing between dexamethasone and placebo (p > .05). There was no significant difference amongst the groups at 12 h (p > .05). At 24, 48 and 72 h, the effectiveness of dexamethasone and diclofenac were comparable, and both were superior to placebo (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The use of dexamethasone or diclofenac potassium was favourable in terms of increasing the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block in cases of mandibular molars with irreversible symptomatic pulpitis and decreased the occurrence of postoperative pain when compared to the use of a placebo.

Effect of Intraligamentary Tramadol Hydrochloride on Anesthetic Success During Endodontic Management of Mandibular Molars: A Randomized Clinical Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Tramadol hydrochloride has shown local anesthetic properties similar to lidocaine, apart from a central analgesic effect. The present study evaluated the effect of the administration of tramadol alone or in addition to 2% lidocaine, as supplementary intraligamentary injections. METHODS: One hundred and five patients, with a failed primary inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB), were randomly allocated to one of the three supplementary intraligamentary groups: 2% lidocaine with 1: 80,000 epinephrine; tramadol hydrochloride (50 mg/mL); and 2% lidocaine with 1: 80,000 epinephrine plus tramadol hydrochloride. Patients received 1.2 mL doses (0.6 mL of each root). Patients reporting pain ≤54 on Heft Parker visual analogue scale (Heft-Parker VAS), were categorized as successful anesthesia. A finger pulse oximeter was used to measure the heart rates. The anesthetic success rates, gender, and type of tooth were compared using the Pearson chi-square test. The heart rates and age were statistically evaluated using the one-way analysis of variance test. The level of significance was set at 0.05 (p=0.05). RESULTS: The initial IANB was successful in 31% of cases. There were significant differences in the anesthetic success rates of different supplementary intraligamentary injections (χ2= 33.6, p<0.001, df=2). The 2% lidocaine-plus-tramadol resulted in significantly higher success rates than the two groups. There were no significant changes in the baseline heart rates of all groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of tramadol to 2% lidocaine with 1: 80,000 epinephrine, given as supplementary intraligamentary injection, can help in achieving successful anesthesia during the endodontic management of mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis resistant to IANB injections.

The use of medicaments in the management of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A community-based cohort study.

AIM: To investigate patient outcomes from either pulpotomy or pulpectomy for the management of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, with and without application of antibiotic/corticosteroid pastes in urgent primary dental care settings in the United Kingdom. METHODOLOGY: All patients receiving intervention for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in three different primary care settings were invited to participate. Pre-operatively, data regarding patients' numerical ratings scale (NRS), pain score (0-10), analgesic use, oral-health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) and need for time away from work were collected. For 7 days post-operatively, participants recorded their NRS pain score, global rating of change score, medication use and their ability to work. Analysis used a mixed-effects model with post hoc Tukey's multiple comparisons test for continuous data and chi-squared or Fisher's exact test for categorical data. To test the effect of the corticosteroid/antibiotic paste, pulpectomy and pulpotomy groups were combined following Mantel-Haenszel stratified analysis or a weighted average of the difference between pulpotomy and pulpectomy with and without the use of corticosteroid/antibiotic paste. A binary composite score was constructed using pre- and post-operative data, whereby overall treatment success was defined as: (i) patients did not return for treatment due to pain by day seven; (ii) at day three, there was a 33% (or 2-points) reduction in NRS pain score; (iii) there was a change score of +3 in global rating; (iv) the patient was no longer using analgesia and able to return to work. RESULTS: Eighty-five participants were recruited, with 83 completing follow up. Overall treatment success was 57%, with 25% of participants returning for more treatment due to inadequate pain relief. Overall treatment success did not differ between the two groups (p = .645), although patients self-reported greater improvement with an antibiotic/corticosteroid dressing for global rating of change (p = .015). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified limited evidence of improved outcomes using antibiotic/corticosteroid dressings in the management of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in the emergency setting. Further clinical research is needed to understand if these medications are beneficial in affording pain relief, above that of simple excision of irreversibly inflamed pulp tissue.