Vital pulpotomy in the primary dentition: attitudes and practices of specialists in paediatric dentistry practising in the United Kingdom

Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts

Abstract

Most specialists adhere to UK guidelines, but more than half expressed concern about the medicament.

Main

Hunter ML, Hunter B Int J Paediatr Dent 2003; 13: 246–250

There are few data on paediatric endodontic practice, and vital pulpotomy is controversial. Questionnaires were sent to 221 paedodontists on the UK specialist register, and 87% were returned. Vital pulpotomy was used by 97% of respondents, and about 2/3 used as their preferred medicament formocresol in 1:5 dilution; others used full strength formocresol, calcium hydroxide, paraformaldehyde, ferric sulfate or other medicaments.

Routine preoperative radiographs were taken by 77% and postoperative ones by 60%; rubber dam was used routinely by 63%; the authors recommend all these procedures. Over half the respondents continued to use the medicament they had been shown as undergraduates. Some 54% had concerns about the possible side-effects of formocresol and formaldehyde, and were considering changing to other medicaments. The authors recommend research in this field.