372H
Fig. 8.16 The figure shows (a) carious
primary incisors that were restored (b)
using strip crowns, and composite resins
to give an aesthetically pleasing result.8.8 PULP THERAPY IN PRIMARY TEETH
8.8.0 Introduction
Contemporary advances in primary prevention have reduced dental disease in the
developed world. But there is no room for complacency. Dental caries and traumatic
dental injuries are still prevalent and treatment of the damage they cause is still a
major component of paediatric dental practice.
The principal goals of paediatric operative dentistry are to prevent the extension of
dental disease and to restore damaged teeth to healthy function. To this end, a range
of conservative endodontic procedures can provide alternatives to extraction for many
pulpally compromised primary teeth. They are within the grasp of all practitioners and
are central to the practice of paediatric dentistry.
While many of the general principles and operative procedures in paediatric
endodontics are shared with adult endodontics, a number of important differences
exist which justify the special coverage given in this chapter.
Key Points
Disadvantages of unplanned extractions in the primary and mixed dentitions:
- loss of space, promoting malocclusion;
- reduced masticatory function (especially posterior teeth);