Clinical and radiographic evaluation of pulpotomies performed under intrapulpal injection of anaesthetic solution

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinically and radiographically pulpotomies carried out under intrapulpal injection of anaesthetic solution. METHODOLOGY: Forty-one permanent mandibular molar teeth presenting with deep carious lesions and/or exposed pulps, with or without periapical changes on radiographic examination, were treated with pulpotomy and dressed with calcium hydroxide. The teeth were divided into three groups. Group A consisted of 15 teeth, where intrapulpal anaesthesia was administered by a slow injection of lidocaine hydrochloride 2%. Group B, with 14 teeth, where intrapulpal anaesthesia was obtained with lidocaine hydrochloride 2% with adrenaline 1:100,000. Group C consisted of 12 teeth in which anaesthesia was performed with a mandibular block using prilocaine hydrochloride 3% with felypressin 1: 100,000. Healing was evaluated using clinical and radiographic criteria: dentine barrier formation, absence of clinical symptoms and resolution of periapical involvement. RESULTS: After an observation time of 6-8 weeks (postoperative control) and 24-32 weeks (intermediate control), healing occurred in 13 teeth from group A (87%), in 11 teeth from group B (79%) and in 10 teeth from group C (83%). No statistical difference was demonstrated between the three groups (Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the methodology adopted, intrapulpal injection of anaesthetic solution did not impair healing in pulpotomized teeth.