June 2010

Aim Emergency pulpectomy is frequently performed to relieve pain experienced by patients following acute episodes of endodontic pain, or to limit the risks of infection or possible root resorption following traumatic pulpal exposures. The aim of this study was to examine subsequent patient attendance for completion of root canal treatment following pulpectomy procedures in a dental emergency unit. Methods The treatment records of 574 patients who had each received an emergency pulpectomy at the Casualty Clinic of the University Dental School and Hospital, Cork, Ireland were reviewed. The influence of age, gender, etiology, tooth type, and month in which the pulpectomy was performed on subsequent completion of endodontic treatment was examined. Results Of 574 patients, 39% (n=224) returned to have endodontic treatment completed, 11% (n=63) returned to have the tooth extracted, and 50% (n=287) did not return for completion of the endodontic treatment. Cases were monitored up to five years following pulpectomy. Using a multinomial regression model, tooth type, etiology, and month in which the treatment was performed were found to be statistically significant predictors (p<0.05) of endodontic treatment completion in the Cork University Dental School and Hospital. Conclusions Proper patient selection and pre-treatment counseling are important considerations when planning emergency pulpectomies to avoid inappropriate use of resources and manpower. Key words: Completion rates, emergency treatment, endodontic treatment, trauma.