Terapia Endodôntica em Dentes Decíduos por Odontopediatras

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the pediatric dentist's approach with regards to choice of the endodontic therapy in primary teeth and the factors that account to the election of treatment and the materials. Method: This research was a cross-sectional study involving 30 pediatric dentists from the Pará State in the northern Brazil, based on the answers to a questionnaire containing personal information and specific questions addressing the possible endodontic therapies for primary teeth. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 software, in which a descriptive statistics was carried out. Results: In primary molars with deep caries without pulp exposure, 86.7% of the pediatric dentists would choose indirect pulp capping (IPC). In case of a small accidental pulp exposure, 50% would perform direct pulp capping (DPC) and 46.7% would perform pulpotomy. In case of a large pulp exposure with mild inflammation, 56.7% of the interviewers would do pulpotomy and 43.3% DPC. Pulpectomy was the most reported treatment for teeth with pulp exposure, 1/3 of root resorption, pulpal polypus and fistula. In case of extensive root lesion and fistula, most participants (93.3%) would perform exodontia. For intracanal dressing in cases of pulpectomy, 36.7% would choose the Guedes Pinto paste. For pulpotomy, calcium hydroxide (36.7%) and formocresol (33.3%) were the most frequently indicated. Calcium hydroxide paste was the material of choice for IPC and DPC for 83.3% and 86.7% of the professionals, respectively. Conclusion: There were no uniformity in the answers for most situations, especially for choosing the treatment and material for cases of pulp exposure. The results emphasize the need for establishing a research-based clinical protocol for pulpal therapy in primary teeth.