Comparative Analysis of Vital Pulpotomy Versus Pulpectomy in Primary Molars With Pulpitis: Treatment Efficacy and Impact on Successor Permanent Tooth Eruption

Abstract

The objective of this study is to compare vital pulpotomy versus pulpectomy in children with primary molar pulpitis and their effects on successor permanent tooth eruption. A total of 240 children were divided into a pulpotomy group (n = 112) and a pulpectomy group (n = 128) and followed up for ≥12 months. Quality of life, clinical efficacy, root resorption, and permanent tooth eruption patterns were compared. Compared with pulpectomy, pulpotomy showed higher treatment efficacy and a 12-month tooth survival rate, greater improvement in quality of life, fewer adverse events, less root resorption, and lower rates of premature eruption and directional changes in successor teeth. Within 12 months, vital pulpotomy in primary molars offers favorable short-term outcomes and may be associated with lower risks of postoperative adverse events and eruption abnormalities in successor permanent teeth compared with pulpectomy. Long-term prospective studies are warranted to further validate these effects on successor permanent tooth development.