# Assessment of Alterations in Permanent Premolars After Endodontic Treatment of Predecessor Primary Molars: A Prospective Study

## TL;DR

This study found that endodontic treatment of primary molars does not significantly affect the development of their successor permanent premolars.

## Contribution

The study provides new clinical evidence on the long-term effects of primary molar endodontic treatment on permanent teeth.

## Key findings

- 21.3% of permanent premolars showed crown rotation, and 10.6% showed ectopic eruption.
- No significant association was found between endodontic treatment variables and permanent premolar alterations.
- Enamel hypomineralization and hypoplasia occurred in 6.4% and 2.1% of cases, respectively.

## Abstract

The relationship between primary teeth and their successors involves complex interactions that may influence the development of permanent teeth.

To evaluate alterations in permanent premolars after endodontic treatment of their primary molar predecessors.

A prospective study was conducted with children initially aged 5 to 9 years, who were submitted to pulpectomy of a primary molar. The protocol involved instrumentation of root canals and obturation with a zinc oxide‐eugenol paste. Follow‐up examinations were performed until exfoliation of the primary molars and full eruption of the successor premolar. Permanent premolars were assessed for developmental defects of enamel, ectopic eruption, and crown rotation. Logistic regression was used to explore variables associated with these outcomes.

Forty‐seven children were followed up for approximately 6 years. Among the successor permanent premolars, 21.3% presented crown rotation, 10.6% ectopic eruption, 6.4% enamel hypomineralization, and 2.1% enamel hypoplasia. No statistically significant association was observed between the assessed alterations and demographic or treatment‐related variables, including pulp status, interradicular lesion, root resorption, or root overfilling (p > 0.05).

Eruptive alterations were the most frequent findings. No association was identified between variables related to the endodontic treatment of primary molars and subsequent clinical alterations in permanent premolars.