Assessment of Alterations in Permanent Premolars After Endodontic Treatment of Predecessor Primary Molars: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND

The relationship between primary teeth and their successors involves complex interactions that may influence the development of permanent teeth.

AIM: To evaluate alterations in permanent premolars after endodontic treatment of their primary molar predecessors.

DESIGN

A prospective study was conducted with children initially aged 5 to 9 years, who were submitted to pulpectomy of a primary molar. The protocol involved instrumentation of root canals and obturation with a zinc oxide-eugenol paste. Follow-up examinations were performed until exfoliation of the primary molars and full eruption of the successor premolar. Permanent premolars were assessed for developmental defects of enamel, ectopic eruption, and crown rotation. Logistic regression was used to explore variables associated with these outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty-seven children were followed up for approximately 6 years. Among the successor permanent premolars, 21.3% presented crown rotation, 10.6% ectopic eruption, 6.4% enamel hypomineralization, and 2.1% enamel hypoplasia. No statistically significant association was observed between the assessed alterations and demographic or treatment-related variables, including pulp status, interradicular lesion, root resorption, or root overfilling (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Eruptive alterations were the most frequent findings. No association was identified between variables related to the endodontic treatment of primary molars and subsequent clinical alterations in permanent premolars.