Long-term survival of indirect pulp treatment performed in primary and permanent teeth with clinically diagnosed deep carious lesions

Introduction: This retrospective study examined clinically and radiographically the 3-year survival of teeth treated with indirect pulp treatment (IPT) performed between 2000 and 2004. Methods: Sixty-six uncooperative children (4-18 years old) with at least one tooth with clinically diagnosed deep caries were included. Radiographically, the lesion depth was greater than two thirds of the dentin thickness. Incomplete excavation was performed leaving infected carious dentin at the center of the cavity. After placement of a layer of resin-modified glass ionomer as liner, the teeth were restored. A 3-year survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier) was performed. Failure was defined as the presence of either a clinical symptom (pain, swelling, or fistula) or radiologic abnormality at recall. In total, 86 of 125 (69%) treated primary molars and 34 of 45 (76%) treated permanent teeth were available for both clinical and radiographic evaluation. Results: The survival rate was 96% for primary molars (mean survival time, 146 weeks) and 93% for permanent teeth (mean survival time, 178 weeks). Conclusion: This study shows that IPT performed in primary and permanent teeth of young patients may result in a high 3-year survival rate