Mineral trioxide aggregate pulpotomy for permanent molars with clinical signs indicative of irreversible pulpitis: a preliminary study

Aim To prospectively investigate the clinical and radiographic success rates of pulpotomy in permanent molars with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of irreversible pulpitis using mineral trioxide aggregate ( MTA) as a pulp dressing agent. Methodology Sixteen patients with 23 restorable permanent molars exhibiting signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis were enrolled. A standardized operative procedure was followed for all participants. All teeth were isolated with a dental dam and caries was removed, and then, pulpotomy performed with a sterile round and/or flame shape diamond burs. Haemostasis was achieved with 5% sodium hypochlorite ( NaOCl). A mixture of MTA was placed against the wound, and a moistened cotton pellet was placed over the MTA. Teeth were temporized with a glass-ionomer restoration. Three to ten days later, the interim restoration was removed and setting of MTA was evaluated. Teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns. Follow-up evaluations were scheduled at 3, 6, 12 months and annually thereafter. Descriptive statistics were used to assess outcomes. Results The age of patients at time of pulpotomy ranged between 7.6 and 13.6 years ( mean = 10.7 +/- 1.7 yrs). The majority of teeth ( 91%) had clinical signs and symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis ( 78%). The follow-up examination period ranged from 18.9 to 73.6 months. Clinically and radiographically, all pulpotomies were considered successful at the end of the follow-up period. Radiographically, a hard tissue barrier was noticed in 13 ( 57%) teeth. Conclusion In children, MTA was associated with high clinical and radiographic success as a pulpotomy agent in permanent teeth with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of irreversible pulpitis.