Single visit root canal treatment versus pulpotomy in management of pulpitis

Aim To clinically and radiographically evaluate single visit root canal treatment (RCT) and pulpotomy in management of mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Patients and methods Twenty-four patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in their mature permanent mandibular molars, were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups according to the treatment protocol either single visit RCT or pulpotomy. For single visit RCT group, ProTaper NEXT rotary system was used for canal preparation and obturation was done using cold lateral condensation technique. While in pulpotomy group, after coronal pulp amputation and hemostasis, Biodentine was used as the pulpotomy agent. The clinical examination of tested groups was performed immediately after completing the procedure (baseline), 3, 6, 9, and 12 months posttreatment. While the radiographic examination using cone-beam computed tomography was carried out at baseline and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed by χ2 test for clinical evaluation criteria and t test for radiographic data. Results Single visit RCT had clinical success rate of 91.67%, while pulpotomy group showed 83.33% success rate. Radiographically, both groups showed normal width of periodontal ligament membrane space and normal bone density after follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Single visit RCT and pulpotomy had high success rate in management of mature permanent teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Pulpotomy can be considered as an alternative treatment option.