Pedo Pulp Therapy Flashcards
What can result in the reversal of pulpal inflammation?
Elimination of minor lesions
When are pulpal changes observed?
At initiation of a carious lesion in enamel
How do the irreversible changes to the pulp due to caries begin: centrally or near the irritant?
Close to infecting agent leading to regional necrosis prior to complete pulpal necrosis
What type of pain is stimulated/solicitated, sharp, short lasting?
Acute
What does spontaneous pain indicate?
Pulpal degeneration
What type of pain is unstimulated/ unsolicited?
Chronic
Chronic pain (pain unsolicited by stimulation) is a good indication of what?
Pulpal degeneration
Does the absence of pain automatically mean the tooth is healthy?
No
What should be looked for clinically both around the symptomatic or asymptomatic tooth as well as the entire mouth?
Redness, parulis, swelling
Mobility
Percussion sensitivity
Is mobility always a sign of pathology in a pedo patient?
No, but can be. E.g. a mandibular 1st molar would be normally mobile in a 10 year old for exfoliation, while it would indicate pathology in a 6 year old
What are 3 things to look for on radiograph?
- Depth and location of caries
- Presence of abnormal calcified masses
- Presence and degree of bone and root resorption
What are 4 options for pulp therapy?
- Indirect Pulp Cap
- Direct Pulp Cap
- Pulpotomy
- Pulpectomy
Placing a base and liner over caries that would otherwise result in a pulp exposure is known as what?
Indirect pulp cap
What are 3 indications for an Indirect pulp cap?
- No pulp exposure indicated
- No unstimulated or long term pain
- No signs or symptoms of pulpal degeneration
Do most dentists reenter after they have performed an indirect pulp cap?
No
When doing caries excavation with anticipated Pulp cap, what is a method to reduce the risk of carious exposure to the pulp?
Partial caries removal (as opposed to complete caries removal)
When you leave a bit of caries to purposely avoid a pulp exposure, what is the character of the dentin?
Unbroken layer of firm, leathery dentin covering pulp
What is the most appropriate treatment for symptom-free primary teeth with deep caries?
Indirect Pulp cap
What is the key to success for an Indirect Pulp Cap? (DrBerry says this is a good exam question)
Leakage-free restoration
Is an indirect pulp cap indicated if the caries is obviously in the pulp?
No
Recent literature has shown what has the longer term success rate: (1) Indirect Pulp Cap (IPT), (2) formocresol and ferric sulfate pulpotomy, or (3) pulpotomy (excluding MTA pulpotomy)
Indirect Pulp therapy
Placing a base and liner over a small mechanical pulp exposure is known as what?
Direct Pulp Cap
Is a direct pulp cap indicated for primary teeth?
No, do a pulpotomy
What is the term for amputation of the coronal portion of the pulp?
Pulpotomy
What is the status of the remaining pulp tissue in the roots after the coronal portion of the pulp has been amputated in a Pulpotomy
Vital radicular pulp tissue
If the patient has a history of spontaneous/persistent pain, is a pulpotomy indicated?
No
If have a carious pulp exposure is a pulpotomy indicated?
Yes
How long should it take to control the bleeding after a pulp exposure for a pulpotomy to be indicated?
3-5 min
How should the blood appear in the pulp for a pulpotomy to be indicated?
Red and normal