Clinical and radiographic evaluation of pulpotomies performed under intrapulpal injection of anaesthetic solution

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinically and radiographically pulpotomies carried out under intrapulpal injection of anaesthetic solution. Methodology Forty-one permanent mandibular molar teeth presenting with deep carious lesions and/or exposed pulps, with or without periapical changes on radiographic examination, were treated with pulpotomy and dressed with calcium hydroxide. The teeth were divided into three groups. Group A consisted of 15 teeth, where intrapulpal anaesthesia was administered by a slow injection of lidocaine hydrochloride 2%. Group B, with 14 teeth. where intrapulpal anaesthesia was obtained with lidocaine hydrochloride 2% with adrenaline 1 : 100 000. Group C consisted of 12 teeth in which anaesthesia was performed with a mandibular block using prilocaine hydrochloride 3% with felypressin 1 : 100 000. Healing was evaluated using clinical and radiographic criteria: dentine barrier formation, absence of clinical symptoms and resolution of periapical involvement. Results After an observation time of 6-8 weeks (postoperative control) and 24-32 weeks (intermediate control), healing occurred in 13 teeth from group A (87%), in 11 teeth from group B (79%) and in 10 teeth from group C (83%). No statistical difference was demonstrated between the three groups (Fisher's exact test). Conclusions Based on the methodology adopted, intrapulpal injection of anaesthetic solution did not impair healing in pulpotomized teeth.