Response to Pulp Sensibility Tests after Full Pulpotomy in Permanent Mandibular Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Retrospective Data Analysis.

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study analyzed the 12-month pulp sensibility (cold and electric) test response after mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) full pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

METHODS

The records of 120 subjects from 3 completed and 1 ongoing clinical study on MTA full pulpotomy were retrieved. Ninety-six first and second mandibular molar teeth with a diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis that underwent a single-visit MTA full pulpotomy and had completed a 12-month clinical, radiographic, and pulp sensibility (cold and electric) test follow-up were included. The data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, the Pearson chi-square test, and the McNemar test. The significance level was predetermined at P < .05.

RESULTS

A higher percentage of teeth (94.7%) responded to the electric pulp test in comparison with the cold test (13.5%) (P < .05). Sex-based responses to the electric pulp test (P > .05) and the cold test were similar (P > .05). The age-based response was similar for the electric pulp test (P > .05) but was significant for the cold test (P < .05). The tooth quadrant (left and right), the tooth (mandibular first and second molar), and the location of restoration (proximal or occlusal) did not influence the response of either the electric pulp test (P > .05) or the cold test (P > .05). At the 1-year follow-up, all the teeth that were classified as clinically and radiographically successful responded to the electric pulp test; however, only 13 teeth responded to the cold test (P = .00).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority (94.7%) of the teeth that underwent MTA full pulpotomy responded to the electric pulp test at a 1-year time interval.