Pulpotomy Versus Pulpectomy in Vital Primary Incisors

The pulpotomy procedure performed was a modification of that described by Pinkham et al; 2005 where pulp chamber was unroofed using a no. 330 sterile bur in a water-cooled high-speed handpiece. The entire roof of pulp chamber and overhanging dentinal remnants over the pulp horns were removed. After the completion of the access cavity, coronal pulp was extirpated using a sharp excavator. Any residual coronal pulpal tissue was removed using a sterile round bur in a slow-speed handpiece to a depth of few millimeters below the free gingival margin. Hemostasis was achieved with a water-dampened cotton pellet. If hemostasis was not achieved after the initial application of the cotton pellet, the case was eliminated from the study. Following hemostasis, a cotton pellet, moistened with formocresol was applied for 3 minutes and removed. A zinc- oxide and eugenol base was placed over the amputation site. Thereafter, a glass ionomer base was applied.

The pulpectomy procedure used herein was a modification of that described by Payne et al;1993 Pulp chamber was unroofed using a no. 330 sterile bur in a water-cooled high-speed handpiece. The entire roof of pulp chamber and overhanging dentinal remnants over the pulp horns were removed. An initial endodontic K-file fitting snugly in the canal was introduced inside it. In most cases, the pulp tissue was removed completely on the first attempt. If the first attempt was unsuccessful, the procedure was repeated and canals were generally enlarged three sizes past the initial file to eliminate the organic remnants. Copious irrigation with a light flow of sterile 0.9% NaCl-solution was used throughout the procedure. At the end, the canals were dried and filled with zinc-oxide \& eugenol.