Permanent teeth pulpotomy survival analysis: retrospective follow-up.

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate risk factors influencing the success rates of pulpotomies both in young and adult populations.

Methods: Pulpotomies (n=273) performed by a single endodontic specialist were analyzed, and data on success rates were collected. Additionally, possible explanatory variables were noted such as: age, gender, clinical findings (teeth, type of restoration after pulpotomy), radiographic findings (dentin bridge formation) and systemic conditions. The follow-up period varied from 1 to 29 years, and the results were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and also by Cox regression.

Results: Age at the time of pulpotomy ranged from 8 to 79 and had not influenced the success rates (p=0.35). The formation of dentin bridge had a strong protective effect (hazard ratio-HR=0.16, p<0.001). The prosthetic crown restorations following pulpotomy had the smallest failure rate, and amalgam has not increased the risk of failure significantly in relation to prosthesis. Resin composite restorations following pulpotomy increased in 263% the risk of failure (HR=3.63, p<0.001).

Conclusion: This study allowed inferences that pulpotomy may be a successful treatment at any age, and not only for young permanent teeth. It was also possible to conclude that the use of direct composite restorations following pulpotomies is associated with higher failure rates.