Clinical Success of Pulpotomies Using Intermediate Restorations and Preformed Metal Crowns in the Context of a Developing Country: A Retrospective Questionnaire-Based Investigation.

Background

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent dental illnesses in children. Untreated severe caries can damage teeth, requiring pulpotomy to save them.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical success rate of treatments involving pulpotomies + IRM (Intermediate Restorative Material, composed of reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol polymers) + preformed metal crowns (PMCs) in primary teeth of children treated at a public university in Mexico. Materials and

Methods

A cross-sectional ambispective study was conducted on children aged 10 years or younger, treated at a public university in Mexico. A total of 1281 medical records from February 2018 to June 2023 were reviewed, yielding a sample of 199 children treated with pulpotomy + IRM + PMC. Information was collected via telephone interviews with parents/caregivers to inquire about any symptoms following the pulpotomy and metal crown treatments. Success was defined as the absence of pain, inflammation, or infection.

Results

During the study period, the number of teeth treated with pulpotomy + IRM + PMC was 414, with follow-ups ranging from 6 to 69 months. Most participants were girls (54.3%), while 45.7% were boys. Out of the 167 pulpotomy + IRM + PMC treatments included in the study, the clinical success rate was 98.2%.

Conclusions

The clinical success rate of primary teeth treated with pulpotomy + IRM + PMCs was high, close to 100%, based on evidence and symptom reports from parents/caregivers. It would be beneficial to implement its use in public health institutions in countries such as Mexico.