Pulpectomy in a Primary Second Molar With a Questionable Prognosis and Extruded Obturation Material

TL;DR

This case study shows that pulpectomy with Vitapex can successfully treat a primary tooth with uncertain prognosis, preserving function and health until natural exfoliation.

Contribution

The study demonstrates Vitapex's safety and effectiveness in pulpectomy of a primary tooth with extruded obturation material.

Findings

After nine months, the extruded Vitapex material completely resorbed with no signs of complications.

The pulpectomy preserved the primary tooth's function and health despite a questionable prognosis.

Abstract

A pulpectomy is a common treatment to preserve the function of primary teeth with irreversible pulpitis or necrosis and prevent consequences like the mesial drifting of a permanent molar. This report discusses a seven-year-old female with a necrotic mandibular primary second molar (#75) that has a questionable prognosis. Vitapex was used as obturation material during the procedure, and X-rays showed extruded material from the D canal. After nine months, the patient showed no signs or symptoms, and the extruded material had completely resorbed. This case highlights Vitapex’s safety and effectiveness in primary tooth pulpectomy, even with uncertain outcomes. It also shows the importance of saving primary teeth, proper technique, material selection, and regular follow-up for successful treatment. A pulpectomy is a root canal procedure for pulp tissue that is irreversibly inflamed or necrotic due to caries or trauma. The main goals of pulp therapy in the primary dentition are to keep the tooth in a pathologically healthy condition by removing infected pulp tissue, preserve its function as a space maintainer in the primary dentition, and remove infection and chronic inflammation while providing relief from the pain caused by inflamed pulpal tissue. Thus, the tooth retains its functional status until natural exfoliation.

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