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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year : 2014  |  Volume : 2  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 48-52

Prevalence of pulp exposures during tooth preparation for fixed prosthetics


1 Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
2 Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey

Date of Web Publication6-May-2014

Correspondence Address:
Hasan Onder Gumus
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039
Turkey
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/2347-4610.131977

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  Abstract 

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to record the prevalence of pulp exposures occurring during preparation of vital abutment teeth. Materials and Methods: 2527 patients (1495 female, 1032 male) who received metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures or single crowns were included in the study. Teeth were prepared using diamond burs in a high speed hand piece under air and water coolant. If pulpal exposure occurred, data of the patient's gender and age, tooth number, tooth position (normal vs malpositioned) and exposure time were recorded, and the patients were referred for immediate endodontic treatment. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, with a confidence level set at 95% (P < 0.05). Results: Pulpal exposure occurred in 80 teeth (0.66%), Chi-square demonstrated no difference (P > 0.05) male-female exposure ratio (1:1.5). The difference in exposure between maxillary and mandibular teeth was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Only 28.75% of exposed tooth was malposed. The majority (n = 49, 61.25%) of exposures occurred in mandibular teeth and this was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Overall the most frequently exposed tooth was mandibular canine (20%), followed by the maxillary central incisor (13.75%) and mandibular lateral incisor (10%). Conclusions: Clinicians should undertake greater care in preparing teeth, especially mandibular canines, for fixed prosthetics. The majority (62.5%) of patients in which pulpal exposure occurred during tooth preparation were between 30-50 years old.

Keywords: Immediate endodontics, prevalence, pulp exposure, tooth preparation


How to cite this article:
Gumus HO, Kocaagaoglu HH, Aslan T, Albayrak H, Sagsen B. Prevalence of pulp exposures during tooth preparation for fixed prosthetics. Eur J Prosthodont 2014;2:48-52

How to cite this URL:
Gumus HO, Kocaagaoglu HH, Aslan T, Albayrak H, Sagsen B. Prevalence of pulp exposures during tooth preparation for fixed prosthetics. Eur J Prosthodont [serial online] 2014 [cited 2018 Jul 5];2:48-52. Available from: http://www.eurjprosthodont.org/text.asp?2014/2/2/48/131977


  Introduction Top


Fixed prosthodontic treatment can range in scope from the restoration of a single tooth to the rehabilitation of the entire occlusion. Conventional complete crown coverage [1] and fixed partial dentures have recently come into extensive use for both their aesthetic and mechanical properties, which include reliability and durability [2] and given their reliability. [3],[4]

However, despite the emphasis on conservative preparation methods and restorative procedures, undeniable threats to pulpal integrity exist during the construction of fixed prosthetic restorations. [5] The literature has shown each step in the fabrication of a fixed prosthesis to be a potential source of insult to the pulp. [6],[7] Complications may occur during or after properly performed fixed prosthodontic-treatment procedures, [8] whereas anticipated exposures of abutment teeth pulp during tooth preparation is included in a patient's treatment strategy regardless of whether or not teeth present with pulpal pathology, unanticipated exposure may create delays in treatment and necessitate reassessment of the treatment plan by the dentist and the patient. Vital pulp or endodontic treatments may be a valuable component of fixed prosthodontic therapy whether the procedure provides an immediate solution for the exposed pulp. [9]

Many studies have focused on the structural aspects of fixed partial prostheses, [10] and long term follow-up studies have examined endodontic, periodontal, aesthetic and technical complications. [11],[12],[13] However, very few studies in the literature have reported on immediate pulpal complications during tooth preparations. [14] Pulpal exposures involving crowns and fixed partial dentures can occur during preparation phase and the clinical skill of the dentists or dental students play an important factor in preparation towards success. Therefore the aim of this study was to record the incidence of pulp exposures occurring during preparation of vital abutment teeth.


  Materials and Methods Top


This study was based on data obtained from the database containing information of all the patients treated for fixed partial denture (FPD) at the Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry and University of Erciyes in the period from September 2010 to July 2012. Data covered 11993 [Figure 1] prepared teeth in 2527 patients (1495 female, 1032 male). The age distribution of the patients is shown in [Figure 2].
Figure 1: Distribution of the totally prepared tooth according to age group

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Figure 2: Distribution of the patients according to age groups

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Only patients who received metal-ceramic FPDs or single crowns, had vital abutment teeth, and had not received any root canal treatment or filling prior to the FPD restoration were included in the study. Preoperative periapical radiographs were obtained, and all abutment teeth were evaluated prior to tooth preparation. All the members of the study group received metal-ceramic FPDs or single crowns. Teeth with pre-existing restorations, non-vital teeth and teeth with very deep caries were excluded from the study.

Teeth were prepared using diamond burs (Diatech, Heerbrugg, Switzerland) in a high speed hand piece under air and water coolant. Teeth were prepared by the different dentists and dental students.

If pulpal exposure occurred, patients were informed of the study, and thereafter obtaining consent, data on patient's gender and age, tooth number, tooth position (normal vs. malpositioned) and exposure time were recorded, and patients were referred for immediate endodontic treatment. All of the endodontic treatments were accomplished by the same clinician. A written informed consent was signed by all participants, and the protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (2009.2.1).

Totally, 80 pulp exposures were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, with a level of confidence set at 95% (P < 0.05). The analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS 17, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA.


  Results Top


Of 11993 preparations in 2527 patients, pulpal exposure occurred in 80 teeth (0.66%). A 1:1.5 male-female exposure ratio was observed, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The majority (n = 49, 61.25%) of exposures occurred in mandibular teeth. The difference in exposure between maxillary and mandibular teeth was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Overall, the most frequently exposed tooth was mandibular canine (20%), followed by the maxillary central incisor (13.75%) and mandibular lateral incisor (10%), [Table 1] .
Table 1: Distribution of the pulp exposure according to the different teeth

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The central incisors accounted for the majority of pulpal exposure (35.5%) in the maxilla, whereas canines accounted for the majority of pulpal exposure (32.6%) in the mandible. In the maxilla, pulpal exposure occurred at a significantly higher rate in the anterior region when compared to the posterior region, whereas in the mandible there was only weak correlation between pulp exposure and region.

Pulpal exposure was found to increase significantly with the patient's age, among the age groups 31-40 and 41-50, each accounting for 31.25% of all exposures [Figure 3].
Figure 3: Wtion of pulp exposures

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A significant relationship was found between the pulp exposure and the treatment time with the majority (57.50%) of exposures occurring between 09:00-11:00 (26.25% between 9:00-10:00 and 31.25% between 10:00-11:00). A strong negative correlation had found between times of day and pulp exposures. Only 28.75% of exposed tooth was malposed.


  Discussion Top


This clinical study examined the incidence of pulpal exposures during preparation of single crowns or FPDs. Although long-term prospective studies exist on endodontic treatment requirements in relation to crowns, [5] metal-ceramic restorations [15] and full ceramic restorations, [16] few studies in the literature examine pulpal exposure during tooth preparation. [14]

Al-Khreisat [14] evaluated the incidence of endodontic treatment required for vital abutment teeth during tooth preparation or immediately after the completion of the prosthetic treatment and found a rate of 0.7 percent (4 pulpal exposures/616 prepared abutments). Our study found a similar rate (0.6%).

As [Table 1] shows, in the present study, the most frequently exposed tooth was the mandibular canine accounting for 20 percent of all exposed teeth. Usually last remaining teeth in the mouth are mandibular canines with periodontal diseases, prolonged clinical crown length and excessive preparation could be needed to compensate this situation.

Achieving the parallelism of abutment teeth required for FPD can sometimes be difficult and complications of this kind are unsurprising. [14] Preparing abutment teeth and achieving parallelism or preparation is more difficult when the teeth are malposed. In our study, 28.75 percent of exposed teeth was malposed. However, because the percentage of malposed teeth among all prepared teeth was not recorded, the statistical significance of the difference in pulpal exposure of normally aligned and malposed teeth could not be evaluated. This limitation will be corrected in future studies.

A study by Raustia et al.,[17] evaluating primary failures and complications related to fixed metal-ceramic bridge prostheses prepared by dental students in 61 patients reported that pulp exposure during preparation was related to the students' lack of experience. In our study, rate of pulp exposure (0.6%) are similar to that of Al-Khreisat [14] (0.7%) despite the fact that preparations in the earlier study were performed by a dentist, rather than dental students. The similarity in findings between the two studies may be due to extra-attention paid by the dental students in preparation of our study.

Sivasithamparam et al.,[18] evaluated 'near and frank exposures' of the pulp in teeth with excessive wear and found 'near and frank exposure' constituted a small but significant percentage of all pulp exposures. The present study includes only frank exposures, although, clinical signs or symptoms of near exposure may be evaluated in further studies. Moreover, teeth with excessive wear were excluded from the study because dental students were not able to be expected to provide the improvements in occlusal dimensions and complex prosthetic treatment required by some of these patients.

The literature revealed that 3-38% of teeth prepared for complete coverage undergo pulpal necrosis. [8],[19],[20],[21] However, the only clinical studies that have examined pulp exposures during teeth preparations are Al-Khreisat [14] and Raustia et al., [17] and the latter was a retrospective study.

In order to avoid damage to the pulp, tooth preparations should be kept to a minimum, especially in young patients. [7] An in vitro study by Davis et al.,[22] that used microtomography to measure residual dentin thickness following tooth preparation found sclerosed pulp chambers, especially in older individuals. 'Sclerosis of pulp chamber increases with age' forms part of the classic indoctrination of students during dental education and is supported by the literature. Contrary to expectations, in our study, the rate of pulpal exposure was lowest in the 21-30 age group and highest in the age group 70 and older. This may be due to the inexperience of dental students, who may have been more careful in treating younger patients than older patients. It is also possible that the small number of patients in the age group 70 and over affected the reliability of the results [Figure 4].
Figure 4: Distribution of pulp exposure percentages according to age groups among all prepared teeth

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The present study did not evaluate exposure by tooth localization. Follow-up studies with longer time periods are recommended.

Davis et al.,[22] suggested that pulpal response to tooth preparation is a major concern in fixed prosthodontics. Furthermore, research has suggested that 2 mm or more of remaining dentin is critical for protecting pulp, following tooth preparation. [22] The present study evaluated pulpal exposure rather than pulpal response or exposure. Moreover, when exposure occurred, patients were immediately forwarded to the Endodontic Clinic for tooth restoration, and despite admonitions that patients return if they experienced any signs of pain, none of the patients treated presented for follow-up. While the aim of the study was not to evaluate the success of single-visit root canal treatment, it is possible to conclude that immediate endodontic treatment is a good choice when pulp exposure occurs during tooth preparation.

Although the findings of this study may suggest that pulpal exposure is greater in the morning than at other times of day, this only appears to be the case because dentists and dental students generally schedule their patients for tooth preparation in the morning. Based on this study, it cannot be concluded that the rate of pulpal exposure is higher in the morning.

Because the present study did not utilize an experimental design, it is difficult to establish a causal relationship between the exposure of abutment teeth and the other clinical variables; therefore, it is also difficult to determine which clinical factors are most effective in either causing or preventing pulpal exposures.


  Conclusions Top


  • This study found 0.6 percent of all samples suffered from pulpal exposure during tooth preparation
  • Clinicians should undertake greater care in preparing teeth, especially mandibular canines, for fixed prosthetics
  • The majority (62.5%) of patients in which pulpal exposure occurred during tooth preparation were between 30-50 years of age
  • Mandibular canines had the highest rate of pulpal exposure during tooth preparation (20%), followed by maxillary central incisors (13.75%) and mandibular lateral incisors, respectively (10%).


 
  References Top

1.Creugers NH, Kayser AF, van 't Hof MA. A meta-analysis of durability data on conventional fixed bridges. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 1994;22:448-52.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.Furuchi M, Oshima A, Ishikawa Y, Koizumi H, Tanoue N, Matsumura H. Effect of metal priming agents on bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomers joined to gold alloy. Dent Mater J 2007;26:728-32.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.Anusavice KJ, Kakar K, Ferree N. Which mechanical and physical testing methods are relevant for predicting the clinical performance of ceramic-based dental prostheses? Clin Oral Implants Res 2007;18:218-31.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.Yilmaz H, Dincer C. Comparison of the bond compatibility of titanium and an NiCr alloy to dental porcelain. J Dent 1999;27:215-22.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.Jackson CR, Skidmore AE, Rice RT. Pulpal evaluation of teeth restored with fixed prostheses. J Prosthet Dent 1992;67:323-5.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.Christensen GJ. Tooth preparation and pulp degeneration. J Am Dent Assoc 1997;128:353-4.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
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9.Livaditis GJ. Vital pulp therapy with bipolar electrocoagulation after intentional pulp exposure of fixed prosthodontic abutments: A clinical report. J Prosthet Dent 2001;86:400-6.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.Anusavice KJ. Standardizing failure, success, and survival decisions in clinical studies of ceramic and metal-ceramic fixed dental prostheses. Dent Mater 2012;28:102-11.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.Foster LV. Failed conventional bridge work from general dental practice: Clinical aspects and treatment needs of 142 cases. Br Dent J 1990;168:199-201.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.Randow K, Glantz PO, Zoger B. Technical failures and some related clinical complications in extensive fixed prosthodontics. An epidemiological study of long-term clinical quality. Acta Odontol Scand 1986;44:241-55.  Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.Valderhaug J, Ellingsen JE, Jokstad A. Oral hygiene, periodontal conditions and carious lesions in patients treated with dental bridges. A 15-year clinical and radiographic follow-up study. J Clin Periodontol 1993;20:482-9.  Back to cited text no. 13
    
14.Abeer S, Al-Khreisat AS. Early endodontic complications following fixed prosthodontic restorations. J Royal Med Serv 2010;17:36-41.  Back to cited text no. 14
    
15.Reuter JE, Brose MO. Failures in full crown retained dental bridges. Br Dent J 1984;157:61-3.  Back to cited text no. 15
    
16.Kelsey WP 3 rd , Cavel T, Blankenau RJ, Barkmeier WW, Wilwerding TM, Latta MA. 4-year clinical study of castable ceramic crowns. Am J Dent 1995;8:259-62.  Back to cited text no. 16
    
17.Raustia AM, Napankangas R, Salonen AM. Complications and primary failures related to fixed metal ceramic bridge prostheses made by dental students. J Oral Rehabil 1998;25:677-80.  Back to cited text no. 17
    
18.Sivasithamparam K, Harbrow D, Vinczer E, Young WG. Endodontic sequelae of dental erosion. Aust Dent J 2003;48:97-101.  Back to cited text no. 18
    
19.Jokstad A, Mjor IA. Ten years' clinical evaluation of three luting cements. J Dent 1996;24:309-15.  Back to cited text no. 19
    
20.Meeuwissen R, Eschen S. Prosthodontic treatment and retreatment of 845 servicemen. J Prosthet Dent 1985;53:425-7.  Back to cited text no. 20
    
21.Valderhaug J, Jokstad A, Ambjornsen E, Norheim PW. Assessment of the periapical and clinical status of crowned teeth over 25 years. J Dent 1997;25:97-105.  Back to cited text no. 21
    
22.Davis GR, Tayeb RA, Seymour KG, Cherukara GP. Quantification of residual dentine thickness following crown preparation. J Dent 2012;40:571-6.  Back to cited text no. 22
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4]
 
 
    Tables

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