Comparative Evaluation of Full Pulpotomy vs. Root Canal Therapy in Cariously Exposed Permanent Teeth

Abstract

The need to find biologically conservative but effective treatment options in cariously exposed permanent teeth has led to an increasing interest in comparing full pulpotomy versus root canal therapy. The full pulpotomy is the procedure in which the coronal pulp is removed and the bioactive materials are laid over the remaining radicular pulp in order to maintain its vitality and functioning. The traditional therapy, root canal therapy, is a method that is guaranteed to eliminate all pulp tissue and prevent periapical disease in the long-term. Recent findings indicate that full pulpotomy may yield similar clinical and radiographic success rates to root canal treatment in selective cases, and has the added advantages of decreased treatment time, lower cost and maintenance of tooth biomechanics. But, selection of the cases, the experience of the operators, and the follow-up in the long term are also the keys to its success. Root canal therapy continues to provide predictable outcomes, particularly in cases of irreversible pulp damage. This comparative evaluation highlights that full pulpotomy represents a promising, minimally invasive alternative, but further robust clinical studies are essential to establish its long-term reliability.