E-6 Vital pulp therapy: When and How Should We Do It? Options for Treating Mature Permanent Teeth in Adults
CE Hours: 1.25
Description: Vital pulp therapy (VPT) plays a crucial role in managing mature permanent teeth with pulp exposure or inflammation, offering a less invasive alternative to root canal treatment. The decision on when and how to perform VPT depends on the degree of pulp involvement, the tooth's vitality, and clinical symptoms. Key VPT options include direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy, and full pulpotomy, each with specific indications based on the extent of pulpal inflammation. Recent advancements in biomaterials, mineral trioxide aggregate and other bioceramic materials, have improved treatment outcomes by promoting pulp healing and reducing the risk of failure. Hence, these treatment modalities are emerging as promising treatments for maintaining tooth vitality. Proper case selection, strict asepsis, using biocompatible materials and good coronal seal are mandatory for success. This presentation reviews the current VPT options, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis, material selection, and individualized treatment planning to achieve optimal long-term outcomes in younger and adult patients.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the indications for vital pulp therapy (VPT) in treating mature permanent teeth in young patients and adults.
- Assess the role of infection control and a final restoration in successful vital pulp therapy procedures.
- Examine the long-term outcomes and success rates of various vital pulp therapy procedures.
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LockedAvina K. Paranjpe, B.D.S., M.S., M.S.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Avina Paranjpe graduated with her BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree from the Mumbai University, India in 2000. She was in private practice in Mumbai, India from 2000-2002 after which she obtained her Master's degree (MS) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Oral Biology, Immunology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2004 and 2007 respectively. Dr. Paranjpe earned her Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) and Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Washington Graduate Endodontics Program in August 2009 after which she joined the faculty at the University of Washington, School of Dentistry as Assistant Professor. She was promoted to Professor with tenure in 2020 and is the current Program Director in Endodontics at the school. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and the immediate past ABE President. Dr. Paranjpe is involved in several ongoing research projects related to dental materials and regenerative Endodontics. She has numerous publications in the area of pulpal regeneration and revascularization, immunology, and compatibility of biomaterials. She has won multiple teaching awards including the Edward M. Osetek Educator Award 2019: Recognized for outstanding status as an educator in North America by the American Association of Endodontists. She was recently inducted as a Fellow to the International College of Dentists (FICD) and the American College of Dentists (ACD) for her contributions to the profession, community, and research.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose