Pulpotomy treatment is most common in pediatric dentistry for treatment of deep carious lesions and cariogenic, mechanical, or traumatic exposures of pulp of primary teeth.

A search for better pulpotomy materials exists due to shortcomings in currently available pulpotomy materials and medicaments. Current pulpotomy materials, including formocresol, ferric sulfate, calcium hydroxide, Biodentine, and MTA have challenges ranging from cytotoxic effects to the pulpal complex, poor success rates, or difficulty to handle and place. BISCO answers the call to action for a more effective and efficient pulpotomy material with TheraCal PT.

BISCO’s release of TheraCal PT adds to their “Thera” family with a biocompatible dual-cured resin-modified calcium silicate material intended for use as a pulpotomy treatment. The calcium silicate particles in TheraCal PT are in a hydrophilic monomer that provides calcium release. TheraCal PT, when set, acts as a stable barrier and protects the pulpal complex.

Although the primary indication is for pulpotomy treatment, TheraCal PT can also be used as a direct or indirect pulp cap, as well as a liner.

TheraCal PT’s convenient dual-cure chemistry requires no mixing and offers a fast set time. TheraCal PT sets as a radiopaque material so that it may be easily identifiable and differentiated radiographically.

Within their evaluation, the Catapult Group found:

• Working and setting time to be appropriate-90 percent
• Radiopacity acceptable-85 percent
• Ease-of-placement into pulp chamber acceptable-80 percent

TheraCal PT was recommended by 100 percent of the evaluators Given this unanimous approval, it is our pleasure to give TheraCal PT from BISCO the Catapult Vote of Confidence.

Clinical case
Pre-operative view shown in Figure 1. Primary second molar requiring pulpotomy procedure.
Fig. 2.

Amputation of coronal pulp chamber to the level of radicular pulp stumps was performed with NSK Dental slow speed large round bur #8, removing coronal pulp tissue with gentle upward motion (Fig. 2). Hemostasis is achieved with a saline-soaked sterile cotton pellet (Figs. 3-4). Figure 5 also illustrates hemostasis.
Next came extrusion of TheraCal PT into the pulp chamber, being sure to reach the base of the coronal pulp chamber with material and without voids or bubbles and light cure (Figs. 6-7). Figure 8 shows cured TheraCal PT. The patient’s full-coverage stainless-steel crown (Fig. 9).

BISCO’s TheraCal PT is a real game changer. It is the first simple-to-place pulpotomy treatment. The efficiency and efficacy will make this a valuable material for any dentist performing pulpotomies.

AT A GLANCE

[ Figs. 1-9 ] Pre-operative view-primary second molar requiring pulpotomy procedure (Fig. 1). Amputation of coronal pulp chamber to level of radicular pulp stumps with NSK Dental’s slow speed large round bur #8, removing coronal pulp tissue with gentle upward motion (Fig. 2). Hemostasis achieved with saline-soaked sterile cotton pellet (Figs. 3 & 4). Hemostasis achieved (Fig. 5). Extrusion of TheraCal PT into pulp chamber, being sure to reach base of coronal pulp chamber with material and without voids or bubbles and light cure (Figs. 6 & 7). Cured TheraCal PT (Fig. 8). Full-coverage stainless-steel crown (Fig. 9).