Full Pulpotomy Addresses Deep Carious Lesions in a Simulated Deployed Military Dental Setting
Abstract
Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world; adults aged 20-34 have 86 percent of their teeth with caries, missing due to caries, or filled. Moreover, the percentage of untreated decay nears 28 percent. Large carious lesions may become acutely symptomatic and require pulpal intervention (root canal). Factors such as access to care, cost, provider experience, resources/materials and treatment time may affect the outcome. A deployed soldier has an increased complexity of these factors. Full pulpotomy addresses the deep carious lesions and mitigates the challenge of endodontic care in a deployed setting. The purpose was to evaluate if a treatment protocol with bioceramics for full pulpotomy in patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis/normal apical tissues provided short term prevention of pain(assessed during the first month) in a simulated deployed dental setting. Three active-duty soldiers aged 18-25 were enrolled in the study. After informed consent, patients decided on treatment of full pulpotomy (VPT) or non-surgical root canal therapy (NSRCT). Full pulpotomy removed the diseased pulp tissue to the level of the orifices and restored with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) over the pulp stump, followed by glass ionomer and restored with a permanent restoration. Alternatively, NSRCT was completed with the providers routine protocol. VPT post-op care included taking 4mg dexamethasone immediately postoperatively, at bedtime and the following morning. Patient completed a pain diary at 4hrs, 12hrs, 24hrs, 72hrs, 1 week and 1-month post operatively using the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale 2.0.Mean pain score for VPT at 4, 12, 24, 72hrs, 1wk, and 1 month were 0, 0, 0, 0.5, 2.5, 0,respectively. Mean pain score for NSRCT at same time points were 2, 3, 1, 0, 0, 0, respectively. No patients required pain medications. All patients were satisfied with treatment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1222382
Entities
People
- Ian N. Prins
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences