Evaluation of a modified Pulpotec endodontic approach on necrotic primary molars: a one-year follow-up.

AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Pulpotec modified endodontic approach on primary molars presenting necrotic pulp and furcation bone loss in a cohort of healthy children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty primary necrotic molars in healthy children, aged between 4 and 6 years underwent clinical and radiological assessment. A chemomechanical removal of pulpal necrotic debris was performed with 1% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. The canals were dried and Pulpotec was inserted in the pulp chamber, and the teeth were then restored. Clinical evaluation, vertical and horizontal measurements of the bone radiolucency were performed for up to one year after the Pulpotec procedure. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied for comparison of groups. RESULTS In this study 67.7% of patients showed healing of bone loss, and a significant difference in height and width of the lesion was observed (respectively 80.6%, 71%; p<0.05; p<0.025). CONCLUSION This technique can be used as an alternative to conventional endodontic treatment for primary necrotic teeth. This procedure may allow paedodontists the ability to postpone extraction of necrotic teeth in particular situations or until eruption of the first permanent molar. Necrotic primary molars presenting furcation bone lesion due to infection may be treated with this modified Pulpotec procedure. With certain caveats, this procedure will preserve the molar on the dental arch for a certain period of time. In our study this technique yielded significant clinical improvements, but the radiological improvement is considered moderate. Future investigations are warranted in order to determine the possible effects of Pulpotec on the succedaneous teeth as well as their path of eruption.