title: Evaluation of a modified Pulpotec endodontic approach on necrotic primary molars: a one-year follow-up.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a Pulpotec modified endodontic approach on primary molars presenting necrotic pulp and furcation bone loss in a cohort of healthy children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty primary necrotic molars in healthy children, aged between 4 and 6 years underwent clinical and radiological assessment. A chemomechanical removal of pulpal necrotic debris was performed with 1% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. The canals were dried and Pulpotec was inserted in the pulp chamber, and the teeth were then restored. Clinical evaluation, vertical and horizontal measurements of the bone radiolucency were performed for up to one year after the Pulpotec procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied for comparison of groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this study 67.7% of patients showed healing of bone loss, and a significant difference in height and width of the lesion was observed (respectively 80.6%, 71%; p<0.05; p<0.025).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique can be used as an alternative to conventional endodontic treatment for primary necrotic teeth. This procedure may allow paedodontists the ability to postpone extraction of necrotic teeth in particular situations or until eruption of the first permanent molar. Necrotic primary molars presenting furcation bone lesion due to infection may be treated with this modified Pulpotec procedure. With certain caveats, this procedure will preserve the molar on the dental arch for a certain period of time. In our study this technique yielded significant clinical improvements, but the radiological improvement is considered moderate. Future investigations are warranted in order to determine the possible effects of Pulpotec on the succedaneous teeth as well as their path of eruption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Lebanese University, Beirut( Lebanon).
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aboujaoude
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Lebanese University, Beirut (Lebanon).
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Noueiri
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Lebanese University, Beirut (Lebanon).
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Berbari
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Radiology FMD, Lebanese University Faculty of Dental Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut (Lebanon).
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khairalla
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Lebanese University, Beirut (Lebanon).
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sfeir
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D020770:Compomers / Q000737:chemistry; D003442:Crowns; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000187:drug effects; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017823:Furcation Defects / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008768:Methylmethacrylates / Q000737:chemistry; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D057872:Pulp Capping and Pulpectomy Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011672:Pulpotomy / Q000379:methods*; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D020770:Compomers; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D057872:Pulp Capping and Pulpectomy Agents; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement; C031667:IRM cement; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite