PULPECTOMY USING MINERAL TRIOXIDE AGGREGATE IN A NON-VITAL PRIMARY MOLAR WITH NO PERMANENT SUCCESSOR: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Root resorption is a physiologic event for the primary teeth. It is still unclear whether odontoclasts, the cells which resorb the dental hard tissue, are different from the osteoclasts, the cells that resorb bone. Root resorption seems to be initiated and regulated by the stellate reticulum and the dental follicle. Primary teeth without a permanent successor eventually exfoliate as well, but our current understanding on the underlying mechanism is still unclear. The literature is also vague on how resorption of the pulp and periodontal ligament of the primary teeth occurs. Knowledge on the mechanisms involved in the physiologic root resorption process may enable us to delay or even inhibit exfoliation of primary teeth in those cases that the permanent successor teeth are not present and thus preservation of the primary teeth is desirable. A case report of 7-year-old boy with nonvital primary molar with no permanent successor. Following pulpectomy, stainless steel crown was given and the tooth was followed up for a period of 1 year and the tooth was asymptomatic and functional.