-
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2022Vital pulp therapy (VPT) has been recently proposed as an alternative approach even in symptomatic mature permanent teeth with deep caries' lesions, aiming to maintain... (Review)
Review
Vital pulp therapy (VPT) has been recently proposed as an alternative approach even in symptomatic mature permanent teeth with deep caries' lesions, aiming to maintain the pulp vitality over time and/or to avoid non-surgical root canal therapy (NSRCT). However, to date, the diagnosis of reversible or irreversible pulpitis is only based on clinical pain quantity and quality, without precisely reflecting the pulp inflammation status. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide an overview based on the current scientific literature to demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of VPT on mature permanent teeth, validating the use of hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements and their role in pain management. VPT may be successfully applied not only in mature permanent teeth diagnosed with reversible pulpitis, but also in permanent dental elements with signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis. Hydraulic cements showed favorable outcomes in terms of decrease of pro-inflammatory mediators and of post-operative pain. Pain plays a central role in the chance to perform VPT in mature permanent teeth, since it may be considered as a pre-operative diagnostic criterion as well as a treatment success parameter. In addition, proper assessment of pulp inflammation and choice of appropriate materials are key factors in enhancing VPT success.
PubMed: 35887779
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144016 -
Australian Dental Journal Mar 2007The dental pulp is a unique tissue and its importance in the long-term prognosis of the tooth is often ignored by clinicians. It is unique in that it resides in a rigid...
The dental pulp is a unique tissue and its importance in the long-term prognosis of the tooth is often ignored by clinicians. It is unique in that it resides in a rigid chamber which provides strong mechanical support and protection from the microbial rich oral environment. If this rigid shell loses its structural integrity, the pulp is under the threat of the adverse stimuli from the mouth, such as caries, cracks, fractures and open restoration margins, all of which provide pathways for micro-organisms and their toxins to enter the pulp. The pulp initially responds to irritation by becoming inflamed and, if left untreated, this will progress to pulp necrosis and infection. The inflammation will also spread to the surrounding alveolar bone and cause periapical pathosis. The magnitude of pulp-related problems should not be underestimated since their most serious consequence is oral sepsis, which can be life threatening, and hence correct diagnosis and management are essential. Clinicians must have a thorough understanding of the physiological and pathological features of the dental pulp as well as the biological consequences of treatment interventions.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Dental Pulp Diseases; Disease Progression; Humans; Microcirculation; Odontoblasts; Pulpitis; Regional Blood Flow
PubMed: 17546858
DOI: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2007.tb00525.x -
European Cells & Materials Feb 2021A vital and healthy dental pulp (DP) is required for teeth to remain functional throughout a lifespan . Appreciating its value for the tooth, the regeneration of the DP... (Review)
Review
A vital and healthy dental pulp (DP) is required for teeth to remain functional throughout a lifespan . Appreciating its value for the tooth, the regeneration of the DP is a highly researched goal. While inflammation of the DP marks the beginning of an eventual necrosis, it is also the prerequisite for the regenerative events of neovascularisation, stem cells mobilisation and reparative dentine deposition. In the light of a pro-regenerative inflammatory process, the present review discusses the role of macrophage population shift from pro- to anti-inflammatory in reversible versus irreversible pulpitis, while also analysing the overlooked contribution of pulp innervation and locally derived neuropeptides to the process. Then, the currently practiced (pulp capping and revascularisation) and researched (cells transplantation and cell homing) approaches for DP regeneration are discussed. Focusing on the role of cell homing in modulating inflammation, some potential strategies are highlighted to harness the inflammatory process for DP regeneration, mainly by reversing inflammation through macrophage induction. Next, some potential clinical applications are discussed - especially with capping materials - that could boost macrophage polarisation and complement system activation. Finally, current challenges facing the regeneration of the DP are presented, while underlining the importance of promoting an anti-inflammatory environment conducive to a regenerative process.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Humans; Inflammation; Pulpitis; Regeneration
PubMed: 33583014
DOI: 10.22203/eCM.v041a13 -
Journal of Conservative Dentistry : JCD 2020The objective of the present systematic review is to evaluate the success of pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth presented with irreversible pulpitis. The following... (Review)
Review
The objective of the present systematic review is to evaluate the success of pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth presented with irreversible pulpitis. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Oral and Dentistry Database, Cochrane, and CINAHL plus. We included studies published in the English language only. However, narrative reviews and case reports/series were excluded. The first electronic and hand search yielded a total of 2851 articles. After going through extensive screening and eligibility process, only six articles were finally selected for the review. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 10 years. Randomized controlled trial compared pulpotomy with the root canal treatment and reported comparable and even better success of the pulpotomy (78% success). All the other studies have also shown better clinical and radiographic success of pulpotomy (68%-100%). Pulpotomy can be considered an alternative option for mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis.
PubMed: 33384481
DOI: 10.4103/JCD.JCD_179_19 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2022Treatment planning is key to clinical success. Permanent teeth diagnosed with "irreversible pulpitis" have long been implied to have an irreversibly damaged dental pulp... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Treatment planning is key to clinical success. Permanent teeth diagnosed with "irreversible pulpitis" have long been implied to have an irreversibly damaged dental pulp that is beyond repair and warranting root canal treatment. However, newer clinical approaches such as pulpotomy, a minimally invasive and biologically based procedure have re-emerged to manage teeth with pulpitis. The primary aim of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis to comprehensively estimate the overall success rate of pulpotomy in permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis as a result of carious pulp exposure. The secondary aim of the study was to investigate the effect of predictors such as symptoms, root apex development (closed versus open), and type of pulp capping material on the success rate of pulpotomy. Articles were searched using PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases, until January 2021. Outcomes were calculated by pooling the success rates with a random effect model. Comparison between the different subgroups was conducted using the z statistic test for proportion with significance set at alpha = 0.05. A total of 1,116 records were retrieved and 11 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. The pooled success rate for pulpotomy in teeth with irreversible pulpitis was 86% [95% CI: 0.76-0.92; I = 81.9%]. Additionally, prognostic indicators of success were evaluated. Stratification of teeth based on (1) symptoms demonstrated that teeth with symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis demonstrated success rate of 84% and 91% respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.18) using z-score analysis; (2) open apex teeth demonstrated a significantly greater success rate (96%) compared to teeth with closed apex (83%) (p = 0.02), and (3) pulp capping materials demonstrated that Biodentine yielded significantly better success rates compared to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), calcium hydroxide, and Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM.) Collectively, this is the first meta-analytical study to determine the clinical outcome of pulpotomy for carious teeth with irreversible pulpitis and it's predictors for success. Moreover, we identify the stage of root development and type of biomaterial as predictors for success of pulpotomy.
Topics: Humans; Pulpotomy; Pulpitis; Dentition, Permanent; Calcium Hydroxide; Root Canal Therapy
PubMed: 36385132
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20918-w -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2016Root canal treatment (RoCT), or endodontic treatment, is a common procedure in dentistry. The main indications for RoCT are irreversible pulpitis and necrosis of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Root canal treatment (RoCT), or endodontic treatment, is a common procedure in dentistry. The main indications for RoCT are irreversible pulpitis and necrosis of the dental pulp caused by carious processes, tooth cracks or chips, or dental trauma. Successful RoCT is characterised by an absence of symptoms (i.e. pain) and clinical signs (i.e. swelling and sinus tract) in teeth without radiographic evidence of periodontal involvement (i.e. normal periodontal ligament). The success of RoCT depends on a number of variables related to the preoperative condition of the tooth, as well as the endodontic procedures. This review updates the previous version published in 2007.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether completion of root canal treatment (RoCT) in a single visit or over two or more visits, with or without medication, makes any difference in term of effectiveness or complications.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 14 June 2016), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2016, Issue 5), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 14 June 2016), and Embase Ovid (1980 to 14 June 2016). We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials to 14 June 2016. We did not place any restrictions on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of people needing RoCT. We excluded surgical endodontic treatment. The outcomes of interest were tooth extraction for endodontic problems; radiological failure after at least one year, i.e. periapical radiolucency; postoperative pain; swelling or flare-up; painkiller use; sinus track or fistula formation; and complications (composite outcome including any adverse event).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We collected data using a specially designed extraction form. We contacted trial authors for further details where these were unclear. We assessed the risk of bias in the studies using the Cochrane tool and we assessed the quality of the body of evidence using GRADE criteria. When valid and relevant data were collected, we undertook a meta-analysis of the data using the random-effects model. For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For continuous data, we calculated mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs. We examined potential sources of heterogeneity. We conducted subgroup analyses for necrotic and vital teeth.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 25 RCTs in the review, with a total of 3780 participants, of whom we analysed 3751. We judged three studies to be at low risk of bias, 14 at high risk, and eight as unclear.Only one study reported data on tooth extraction due to endodontic problems. This study found no difference between treatment in one visit or treatment over multiple visits (1/117 single-visit participants lost a tooth versus 2/103 multiple-visit participants; odds ratio (OR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 4.78; very low-quality evidence).We found no evidence of a difference between single-visit and multiple-visit treatment in terms of radiological failure (risk ratio (RR) 0.91, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.21; 1493 participants, 11 studies, I = 18%; low-quality evidence); immediate postoperative pain (dichotomous outcome) (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.17; 1560 participants, 9 studies, I = 33%; moderate-quality evidence); swelling or flare-up incidence (RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.66 to 2.81; 281 participants, 4 studies, I = 0%; low-quality evidence); sinus tract or fistula formation (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.15 to 6.48; 345 participants, 2 studies, I = 0%; low-quality evidence); or complications (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.11; 1686 participants, 10 studies, I = 18%; moderate-quality evidence).The studies suggested people undergoing RoCT in a single visit may be more likely to experience pain in the first week than those whose RoCT was over multiple visits (RR 1.50, 95% CI 0.99 to 2.28; 1383 participants, 8 studies, I = 54%), though the quality of the evidence for this finding is low.Moderate-quality evidence showed people undergoing RoCT in a single visit were more likely to use painkillers than those receiving treatment over multiple visits (RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.60 to 3.45; 648 participants, 4 studies, I = 0%).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence to suggest that one treatment regimen (single-visit or multiple-visit root canal treatment) is better than the other. Neither can prevent all short- and long-term complications. On the basis of the available evidence, it seems likely that the benefit of a single-visit treatment, in terms of time and convenience, for both patient and dentist, has the cost of a higher frequency of late postoperative pain (and as a consequence, painkiller use).
Topics: Analgesics; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appointments and Schedules; Dental Pulp Necrosis; Dentition, Permanent; Humans; Office Visits; Pain, Postoperative; Pulpitis; Radiography; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Root Canal Therapy; Tooth Extraction; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27905673
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005296.pub3 -
Journal of Dental Research May 2023Rodent animal models for vital pulp therapy are commonly used in dental research because their tooth anatomy and cellular processes are similar to the anatomy and...
Rodent animal models for vital pulp therapy are commonly used in dental research because their tooth anatomy and cellular processes are similar to the anatomy and processes in humans. However, most studies have been conducted using uninfected sound teeth, which makes it difficult to adequately assess the inflammatory shift after vital pulp therapy. In the present study, we aimed to establish a caries-induced pulpitis model based on the conventional rat caries model and then evaluate inflammatory changes during the wound-healing process after pulp capping in a model of reversible pulpitis induced by carious infection. To establish the caries-induced pulpitis model, the pulpal inflammatory status was investigated at different stages of caries progression by immunostaining targeted to specific inflammatory biomarkers. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that both Toll-like receptor 2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were expressed in moderate and severe caries-stimulated pulp, indicating that an immune reaction occurred at both stages of caries progression. M2 macrophages were predominant in moderate caries-stimulated pulp, whereas M1 macrophages were predominant in the severe caries-stimulated pulp. Pulp capping in teeth with moderate caries (i.e., teeth with reversible pulpitis) led to complete tertiary dentin formation within 28 d after treatment. Impaired wound healing was observed in teeth with severe caries (i.e., teeth with irreversible pulpitis). During the wound-healing process in reversible pulpitis after pulp capping, M2 macrophages were predominant at all time points; their proliferative capacity was upregulated in the early stage of wound healing compared with healthy pulp. In conclusion, we successfully established a caries-induced pulpitis model for studies of vital pulp therapy. M2 macrophages have an important role in the early stages of the wound-healing process in reversible pulpitis.
Topics: Humans; Rats; Animals; Pulpitis; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Dental Pulp; Dentin, Secondary; Dental Caries; Dental Pulp Capping
PubMed: 36913545
DOI: 10.1177/00220345221150383 -
Journal of the American Dental... Dec 2019Patients with pulpal and periapical conditions often seek treatment for pain, intraoral swelling, or both. Even when definitive, conservative dental treatment (DCDT) is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Antibiotics for the urgent management of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, symptomatic apical periodontitis, and localized acute apical abscess: Systematic review and meta-analysis-a report of the American Dental Association.
BACKGROUND
Patients with pulpal and periapical conditions often seek treatment for pain, intraoral swelling, or both. Even when definitive, conservative dental treatment (DCDT) is an option, antibiotics are often prescribed. The purpose of this review was to summarize available evidence regarding the effect of antibiotics, either alone or as adjuncts to DCDT, to treat immunocompetent adults with pulpal and periapical conditions, as well as additional population-level harms associated with antibiotic use.
TYPE OF STUDIES REVIEWED
The authors updated 2 preexisting systematic reviews to identify newly published randomized controlled trials. They also searched for systematic reviews to inform additional harm outcomes. They conducted searches in MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Pairs of reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias and certainty in the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.
RESULTS
The authors found no new trials via the update of the preexisting reviews. Ultimately, 3 trials and 8 additional reports proved eligible for this review. Trial estimates for all outcomes suggested both a benefit and harm over 7 days (very low to low certainty evidence). The magnitude of additional harms related to antibiotic use for any condition were potentially large (very low to moderate certainty evidence).
CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Evidence for antibiotics, either alone or as adjuncts to DCDT, showed both a benefit and a harm for outcomes of pain and intraoral swelling and a large potential magnitude of effect in regard to additional harm outcomes. The impact of dental antibiotic prescribing requires further research.
Topics: Abscess; Adult; American Dental Association; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Periapical Periodontitis; Pulpitis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; United States
PubMed: 31761029
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2019.09.011 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Mar 2022The concept of minimally invasive endodontics recommends less-invasive vital pulp therapy (VPT) modalities over more aggressive traditional endodontic approaches in... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
The concept of minimally invasive endodontics recommends less-invasive vital pulp therapy (VPT) modalities over more aggressive traditional endodontic approaches in mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure, including irreversible pulpitis (IP) cases. Consequently, VPT needs to be compared with root canal therapy (RCT) in terms of treatment outcomes. This randomized clinical trial compares the results of full pulpotomy using two calcium-silicate cements, i.e., mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, with RCT in mature permanent teeth.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 157 carious pulp exposure cases in two academic centers with/without established IP were selected/included/randomly appointed to three study arms; (i) RCT (n = 51) as the reference treatment, (ii) pulpotomy with ProRoot MTA (PMTA; n = 55), and (iii) pulpotomy with CEM cement (PCEM; n = 51) as two alternative VPT treatments. Two-year clinical/radiographic results were the outcomes of interest. Data were statistically analyzed through the analysis of variance, chi-square, Fisher exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis.
RESULTS
At 2-year recall, 147 teeth were examined (6.4% dropout). All molars, except for one, were clinically functional/symptom-free, and there was no statistical difference between the three study arms (p = 0.653). The radiographic success rates in RCT, PMTA, and PCEM arms were 98%, 100%, and 97.9%, respectively, without statistically significant differences (p = 0.544).
CONCLUSION
In the management of mature permanent teeth with/without established IP, all experimental groups exhibited equivalent/comparable results.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Simple VPT using MTA/CEM can be suggested/recommended as a viable advantageous alternative to RCT for the management of carious pulp exposures with/without sign/symptoms of IP.
Topics: Aluminum Compounds; Biocompatible Materials; Calcium Compounds; Drug Combinations; Humans; Molar; Oxides; Pulpitis; Pulpotomy; Root Canal Therapy; Silicates
PubMed: 34854987
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-021-04310-y -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Mar 2017Experiments have previously demonstrated the therapeutic potential of mobilized dental pulp stem cells (MDPSCs) for complete pulp regeneration. The aim of the present...
BACKGROUND
Experiments have previously demonstrated the therapeutic potential of mobilized dental pulp stem cells (MDPSCs) for complete pulp regeneration. The aim of the present pilot clinical study is to assess the safety, potential efficacy, and feasibility of autologous transplantation of MDPSCs in pulpectomized teeth.
METHODS
Five patients with irreversible pulpitis were enrolled and monitored for up to 24 weeks following MDPSC transplantation. The MDPSCs were isolated from discarded teeth and expanded based on good manufacturing practice (GMP). The quality of the MDPSCs at passages 9 or 10 was ascertained by karyotype analyses. The MDPSCs were transplanted with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in atelocollagen into pulpectomized teeth.
RESULTS
The clinical and laboratory evaluations demonstrated no adverse events or toxicity. The electric pulp test (EPT) of the pulp at 4 weeks demonstrated a robust positive response. The signal intensity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the regenerated tissue in the root canal after 24 weeks was similar to that of normal dental pulp in the untreated control. Finally, cone beam computed tomography demonstrated functional dentin formation in three of the five patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Human MDPSCs are safe and efficacious for complete pulp regeneration in humans in this pilot clinical study.
Topics: Adult; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Dental Pulp; Female; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Pulpitis; Regeneration; Stem Cell Transplantation; Stem Cells; Tooth
PubMed: 28279187
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0506-5