Evaluation of Pulpotomy Versus Pulpectomy in Primary Molars With Irreversible Pulpitis or Necrotic Pulp

With increasing emphasis on conservative and predictable pulp therapy in pediatric dentistry, this study aims to evaluate pulpotomy using Pulpotec as a potential alternative to pulpectomy using Metapex in the management of primary molars with irreversible pulpitis or necrotic pulp. This split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial will include 25 children aged 4-8 years attending the Postgraduate Pediatric Dental Clinic at Ajman University, UAE. Each participant will contribute two contralateral primary molars-one assigned to the intervention group (Pulpotomy with Pulpotec) and the other to the control group (Pulpectomy with Metapex, a calcium hydroxide and iodoform paste). The outcome will assess and compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of pulpotomy and pulpectomy procedures performed in primary molars diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis or necrotic pulp. Clinical success will be defined by the absence of pain, swelling, sinus tract, mobility, or tenderness to percussion. Radiographic success will be defined by the absence of periapical or inter-radicular radiolucency, internal or external resorption, and evidence of continued root resorption consistent with normal exfoliation. In addition, dental anxiety will be assessed using the RMS Pictorial Anxiety Scale, and physiological parameters such as pulse rate (beats/min) and oxygen saturation (SpO₂, %) will be recorded using a pulse oximeter to explore potential correlations between anxiety and treatment response.