The results of pulpectomy in primary molars in children with negative behaviour

Abstract

Relevance. A pulpectomy is a procedure predominantly performed for pulpitis treatment in single-rooted primary teeth. Data on the pulpectomy in primary molars are limited. Pulpectomy in children with negative behaviour is particularly difficult. The study aimed to determine the survival rate of primary molars after treatment of chronic pulpitis by pulpectomy in children with negative behaviour depending on the behaviour management method.Material and methods. A prospective clinical study in parallel groups involved 120 children aged 3-6 years who demonstrated negative behaviour (according to the Frankl scale) during a dental examination. Chronic fibrous pulpitis was treated by vital pulpectomy in 180 primary molars. In group 1 (60 children, 90 teeth), children underwent non-pharmacological behaviour management; in group 2, children were treated under conscious sedation (pharmacological correction of behaviour). Follow-ups after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months determined the tooth survival rate after pulpectomy.Results. The 24-month tooth survival rate after pulpectomy was 76.7% in group 1 (95% CI 67.9-85.4%), 81.1% – in group 2 (95% CI 73.0-89.2%), p > 0.05.Conclusion. More than 75% of primary molars survived for 24 months after vital pulpectomy in children with negative behaviour. The results of pulpectomy with pharmacological behaviour correction were better than after non-pharmacological behaviour management; however, the detected differences were not statistically significant.