Management of Deep Caries and Pulpally Involved Primary Teeth Flashcards
Objectives for conserving primary teeth?
- Maintain arch length
- Prevent and relieve pain/infection
- Restore aesthetics and function
- Prevent speech problems
- Prevent aberrant tongue habits
- Prevent adverse effects on underlying permanent teeth (Turner’s tooth)
- Avoid negative impact on child’s psychological and social functioning
What are some indications, in terms of medical history, for conserving primary teeth?
- Bleeding disorders and coagulopathies
- Oligodontia
What are some contraindications, in terms of medical history, for conserving primary teeth?
- Congenital heart conditions at risk of subacute endocarditis
- Immunocompromised children
- Poor healing ability
What are some dental factors for conserving primary teeth?
- General dental condition
- Restorability
- Life span of tooth
- Amount of bone support
- Significance of tooth to dental arch
- Pulp calcification, pathological root resorption
- Absence of permanent successor
What are the types of treatment approaches?
- Preventive
- Biological
- Conventional
What is the Preventive only Approach?
Slow down and arrest caries by using F varnish or SDF
What is the biological approach?
Incomplete caries removal + Restoration with good seal
E.g. Hall technique, Interim therapeutic restoration, IPC
How to diagnose pulp status in primary teeth?
- Pain history and characteristics
- Discolouration, mobility of tooth
- Surrounding soft tissues (redness, swelling, sinus tract)
- Percussion and thermal tests
- Radiographs
- Colour and nature of bleeding from exposed pulp during procedure
General considerations for vital pulp treatment?
- Absence of spontaneous pain
- Non-lingering pain during thermal testing
- NTTP, NTTPp, mobility within normal limits
- No soft tissue lesions e.g. swelling, sinus
- No perifurcation/periapical lesion on radiograph
What are the types of VPT?
- Hall technique
- Protective liner
- Indirect pulp cap
- Direct pulp cap
- Pulpotomy
What is the Hall Technique?
Cementation of preformed stainless steel crown with GIC to seal in decay
NO LA, caries removal or tooth preparation
What is a protective liner?
All caries removed, a thin layer of material is placed on pulpal surface of a deep cavity preparation
When is Hall Technique indicated?
Too young, too scared, special needs
Function of protective liner
- Cover exposed dentin tubules to act as protective barrier between restorative material and pulp
- Preserve tooth vitality, promote pulp healing and tertiary dentin formation and minimize microleakage and post-op sensitivity
Examples of Protective Liner
Calcium hydroxide, dentin bonding agent, GIC cement
What is an Indirect Pulp Cap?
Placement of biocompatible material over thin residual layer of affected dentin to stimulate healing and repair
What are the materials used for Indirect Pulp Cap?
Dentin bonding agent, calcium hydroxide, ZOE, RMGIC, MTA
What is the success rate of IPC?
> 90% success rate at 3 years follow up
Indications of Interim Therapeutic Restoration
- Excessive restorations to be done under GA
- Uncooperative child
- Special needs
- Partially erupted teeth
What is Interim Therapeutic Restoration?
- Caries removal except deepest part
- Restore with GIC
- Monitor for s/s and decide if need to re-excavate caries and replace with conventional restoration later on