Relationship Between the Remaining Dentin Thickness and Coronal Pulp Status of Decayed Primary Molars.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) in deep decayed primary molars and the inflammatory status and bacterial composition of the corresponding coronal pulp. We hypothesized that RDT could be used as a reference for clinicians in assigning the indication for pulpotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pulpotomies were conducted on the cameral pulp of 48 primary molars. Microorganisms, such as sp., sp., and sp., were identified and quantified and levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed. The correlation between the pre-operative RDT based on radiographic images and inflammatory-microbial profiles was evaluated using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. All data analysis was performed using a statistical software program (SPSS 20.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

RESULTS

Immunological and microbiological studies revealed elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, and sp., sp. and sp. in the cameral pulp with an RDT measuring up to 1.1 mm. No significant relationship could be established between RDT, inflammatory status and microbial content of the pulps.

CONCLUSION

The RDT remains a key clinical factor that needs to be assessed when establishing the indication for pulpotomy. Additional parameters that can improve this therapy should be investigated in the future.