Pulpectomy versus Extraction for the Treatment of Nonvital Primary Second Molars: A Retrospective Chart Review

Objectives: The current investigation evaluated parameters leading to the utilization of pulpectomy versus extraction for treatment of nonvital primary second molars. Study design: This retrospective chart review identified patients up to 8-years of age with primary second molars treated by pulpectomy or extraction. Patients in the extraction group were age and gender-matched to the pulpectomy group. Demographic, clinical, radiographic and behavioral data were extracted for comparison. Chi-square, Fisher and T-test were performed for statistical analysis. Results: There were 23 patients in each group, with a mean age of 5 years (ranging 3–8 years, ±1.5 for pulpectomy and ±1.3 for extraction). Significantly more pulpectomies were performed in the mandible (p=0.002), specifically on the left side (p=0.0035). Internal and external root resorption were significantly higher in the extraction group (p=0.033 and p=0.007 respectively). Restorability was significantly lower in the extraction group (p<0.0001). Pre-procedural pain was reported by 76.5 percent of all patients, but pharmacologically treated in 15.2 percent. Nitrous oxide was administered to 73.9 percent of patients for behavior guidance. Conclusion: Pathologic root resorption and non-restorability were significantly higher in the extraction group. Behavior and pathologic bone resorption did not influence treatment choice. A higher proportion of children reported pre-treatment pain and needed adjunctive behavior guidance than children who did not have pre-treatment pain or did not need adjunctive behavior guidance.