Retrospective Study on the Treatment of Moderate Pulpitis

Objective:To see whether dressing a tooth having moderate pulpitis with Ledermix paste over a two visit treatment was successful in removing the pain and allowing the placement of a restoration.Design: A retrospective cohort audit in one dental practice. Method: Moderate pulpitis is where the patient complains of pain but where clinically the pulpitis is reversible.A tooth diagnosed with moderate pulpitis was anaesthetised. A Class 1 cavity was prepared to approximately a depth of 2mm occlusally, within the dentine, but without exposing the pulp. A thin layer of Ledermix paste was placed in the floor of the cavity which was then dressed with zinc oxide and eugenol cement and left for about three weeks. If the pulp had settled by the next visit the dressing was reduced to a depth of about 1.5mm and the final restoration was placed. Data was kept on file so that the tooth was monitored and any interventions were recorded. Occasionally a second dressing was placed if the tooth hadn't settled but if the symptoms were more severe the pulp was extirpated. Results: Total teeth treated, 261 over a 7 year period. 66% of the subjects were female and the average age of subjects was 51 years(18-81yrs). The number successfully treated with two visits 182 (70%). The number treated with a three visit format 19 (7%)and endodontically treated teeth 37 (14%). Seventeen were extracted (7%) half of which required minor oral surgery and 6 (2%) were crowned. Conclusions: 70% of teeth suffering from moderate pulpitis were treated successfully with a two visit regime. It was suggested that this form of treatment can assist in removing pain and restoring the tooth.