Indirect pulp treatment without re-entry in a permanent tooth: 36 months of follow-up

Abstract

An alternative approach in the management of deep caries lesions is the indirect pulp treatment, without re-entry in the cavity. It has been shown that the complete removal of the carious dentin became unnecessary after the total tooth sealing, because the remaining microorganisms of the affected dentin would stop proliferating and/or die. This case report describes the management of a deep caries lesion of an 11-year-old girl with great coronary destruction in the left mandibular permanent first molar. Infected dentinal walls were excavated with manual instruments and the remainder affected dentin was filled with ionomer glass cement and composite resin. After 36 months of follow-up, no clinical and radiographic signs and symptoms of pulp damage were observed. In conclusion, the indirect pulp treatment was considered a good alternative for the treatment of deep caries lesions as it reduced the risk of pulp exposure by not reopening the cavity, saved the patient and the dentist clinical time and arrested the lesion progression with radiographic density increase and absence of any pain symptoms.