A retrospective assessment of zinc oxide-eugenol pulpectomies in vital maxillary primary incisors successfully restored with composite resin crowns.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate, via clinical and radiographic assessments, the treatment outcome of zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) pulpectomies performed in vital maxillary primary incisors successfully restored with composite resin crowns.

METHODS: Pulpectomized vital primary incisors were treated by a uniformed technique, filled with ZOE paste, and successfully restored with composite resin crowns. Those that remained intact and noncarious for the assessment interval were evaluated for the outcome (success or failure) based on clinical and radiographic findings and compared to: (1) the reason for treatment; (2) the canal filling extent; (3) the type of composite resin crown restoration performed; and (4) the eruption status of its succedaneous tooth.

RESULTS: For 104 maxillary primary incisors meeting the inclusion criteria, failure, as judged by presence of pathologic root resorption and/or apical lucency, was determined to be 24% (25/104), for a mean duration of 18 months observation. Failures were statistically associated with the reason for treatment (higher for trauma), the extent of ZOE paste filler in the pulp canal (higher for gross overfill), and the eruption status of the associated succedaneous permanent incisor (higher for delayed eruption).

CONCLUSIONS: This study determined a failure rate (24%) for pulpectomies-using ZOE paste and performed on vital primary incisors-comparable to that reported for nonvital pulpectomies. A statistically significant increase in failure rates was found for: (1) incisors treated for trauma (42%) vs those treated for dental caries (19%); and (2) grossly overfilled canals (80%) vs canals filled to the apex (0%).