The goal of this observational study is to learn about the long-term results of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy in primary molars and the factors that may affect treatment success.

The main question it aims to answer is:

Do clinical, operator and restoration-related factors influence the long-term success of MTA pulpotomy in primary molars?

In this study, children who received MTA pulpotomy treatment were examined at the 24-month follow-up visit, scheduled at the beginning of the study. Two examiners checked the clinical condition of the teeth, and two other examiners reviewed the radiographs without knowing the clinical results.

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted to evaluate the 24-month clinical and radiographic outcomes of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy in primary molars and to identify potential risk factors associated with treatment failure. The study included 175 primary molars from 96 children who met the inclusion criteria and were invited to the 24-month follow-up visit scheduled at the beginning of the study. At this visit, two clinical examiners assessed the clinical condition of the teeth, and two radiographic examiners, blinded to the clinical data, evaluated the radiographic outcomes.

Clinical and radiographic findings were scored based on criteria originally established by Zurn and Seale, subsequently adapted by Rajasekharan et al., and recently by Cordell et al. The risk factors that could have influenced treatment failure were also documented, including arch type (maxillary or mandibular), tooth type (first or second primary molar), side (right or left), number of restored surfaces, and restoration quality. Restoration quality was assessed using the modified FDI criteria assessing esthetic, functional, and biological properties.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Systemically healthy children
• Complete preoperative clinical and radiographic records available
• No additional treatment performed on the treated tooth after the initial MTA pulpotomy
• Attendance at the 24-month follow-up appointment
• Willingness to participate in the study
• Positive or definitely positive behavior during the clinical examination at the 24-month follow-up visit (Frankl Behavior Rating Scale: + or ++)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Teeth that had exfoliated or received treatment at another center during the follow-up period

The study population consisted of patients aged 3 to 15 years at the time of treatment, who received pulpotomy treatment using MTA in at least one primary molar between July 1 and November 1, 2022. To evaluate the treatment outcomes and potential risk factors for treatment failure, follow-up appointments were scheduled 24 months after the pulpotomy procedure, and patients were invited to attend at that time in accordance with the order of patient registration.

The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.