Pulpotomy and Apexification

Pulpotomy:
It is defined as the removal of coronal portion of infected vital pulp.

Objective :

To maintain vitality and function of remaining non- infected healthy pulp tissue in root canal.

Amputed surface of pulp again becomes covered with odontoblast which forms a layer reparative dentin protecting the pulp in root canal.

Procedure :

▪︎Obtain profound anaesthesia.

▪︎Isolate the tooth by rubber dam.

▪︎Standard cavity preparation is done by following all steps of cavity preparation.

▪︎Remove roof of pulp chamber, this examination of odontoblastic membrane.

▪︎Amputation of pulp is done.

▪︎Arrest the haemorrhage by inserting a wet sterile pellet into pulp chamber with slight pressure.

▪︎Place the dressing of Ca(OH), suspended in methyl cellulose.

▪︎Protection of dressing is done by apply of ZOE cement base.

▪︎Take radiograph before discharging the patient.,check the occlusion and relieve any high point.

▪︎Call the patient after one week to observe any unlike reaction.

▪︎Final restoration is done at 6th week for posterior silver amalgam and for anterior composite is used.

▪︎Periodic recall visits are set up at every 3 months and vitality is checked and radiograph is taken and is compared with previous one for formation of calcified bridge.

It is done till 3½ years.

 

Apexification :

Apexification is a method to induce the development of root apex of an immature pulpless tooth by formation of osteocementum or other bone like tissue.

Objective :

The aim of apexification is to close the open apical third of the root canal or the formation of an apical calcific barrier against which obturation can be achieved.

Technique :

-Obtain anaesthesia.

-Apply rubber dam and isolate.

-Prepare access cavity for biomechanical preparation. Establish the accurate length of root canal with radiograph, the working length should be atleast 2 mm short of root length to prevent injury to periapical tissue and at cervical one third of root.

-Now remove the content of pulp cavity with the help of broaches, flush the root canal with 5.2% sodium hypochloride and H₂O..

-Biomechanical technique enlarge the root canal upto radiographic apex.

-Circumferential filling is done.

-Use large files no. 60-120 are required, try to remove as much necrotic tissue as possible.

-Dry the root canal with paper points.

-Prepare thick paste of Ca (OH), in water or local anaesthetic solution and pack into root canal with plugger.

-Avoid foreign substance beyond open apex, now the opening is sealed with double seal (gutta-percha and ZOE cement outside).

-Check high point and take radiograph.

-Recall after 2-3 days and check for any inconvenient reaction, if no complaint fill the access cavity with silver amalgam in posterior and composite in anterior.

-Recall after 3 month interval, normal time require for apexification is 6 month to 2 years.

-Closure verified on radiograph and clinically by opening root canal and testing with blunt instrument meeting a definitive stop.

-The RCT is done with permanent root canal filling of gutta-percha, for anterior apply porcelain crown. For posterior apply full cast crown.