Observation on Therapeutic Efficacy of Vital Pulpotomy for Pulp Exposure of Incompletely Developed First Permanent Molars due to Caries

Objectives To compare the clinical efficacy of pulpotomy and apexification for pulp exposure of incompletely developed first permanent molars due to caries. MethodsOne hundred and six incompletely developed first permanent molars from 84 children of 6～10 years old were divided into two groups randomly. Fifty and fifty six first permanent molars were treated by pulpotomy and apexification respectively. All cases were followed up for 3 years. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed in combination with their X ray examination.ResultsThe clinical successful rates of pulpotomy and apexification were 92.4% and 88% respectively, no significant difference between both groups was found ; but X ray examination showed that the pulpotomy was more advantageous to the development of tooth roots and formation of root tips. ConclusionThe clinical efficacy of pulpotomy and apexification is similar in the treatment for pulp exposure of incompletely developed first permanent molars, but the former can preserve vital force of dental pulp and may be more advantageous to the development of tooth roots length and improving formation of canals. [