FDI 2024 World Dental Congress, İstanbul, Turkey, 12 - 15 September 2024, pp.358-359
INTRODUCTION: This case report presents the clinical and radiographic outcomes of miniature pulpotomy using min- eral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on two permanent molars exhibiting signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis.
CASE DESCRIPTION: Two systemically healthy boy patients, aged 11 and 12, presented to our clinic reporting pain in the right lower jaw and left upper jaw, respectively. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed spontaneous, persistent pain localized to tooth number 47 (ongoing root development) in the first patient and tooth number 26 (completed root development) in the second patient. Signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis were identified in both teeth. Considering caries depth, tissue color, and bleeding, the standard miniature pulpotomy protocol was performed with MTA (MTA Angelus, Brasil) in both cases. Follow-up examina- tions at 6 and 12 months showed resolved symptoms, healthy soft tissues, and positive response to pulp tests in both teeth clinically, with radiographic confirmation of continued root development in tooth number 47 and healthy periapical tissues in both teeth.
DISCUSSION: Vital pulp therapy (VPT), including miniature/ partial pulpotomy, offers a potential to preserve pulp vitality and it reduces cervical fracture risk, unlike total pulpotomy, especially in young permanent teeth with signs and symp- toms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. This conservative approach selectively removes inflamed pulp while maintain- ing healthy tissue, utilizing biocompatible materials. CONCLUSION/CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Evaluating VPT out- comes using biocompatible materials on immature/mature permanent teeth with signs and symptoms indicative of irre- versible pulpitis is crucial for evidence-based dentistry, espe- cially with advancements in pulp healing and regeneration.