Single-Visit Pulpectomy in Primary Teeth: A Comprehensive Review, Clinical Case Report and Novel Evaluation Criteria

Dr. Savitha Sathyaprasad, Dr. Revanuru Swathi

Abstract: Background: Pulpectomy is an established endodontic procedure for the management of irreversibly inflamed or necrotic pulp in primary teeth, with the primary objective of eliminating infection, relieving pain, and preserving the tooth until its natural exfoliation. Single-visit pulpectomy has gained increasing acceptance in pediatric dentistry due to advancements in instrumentation, irrigation protocols, obturating materials, and behavior management strategies, although concerns regarding disinfection, postoperative pain, and obturation quality remain. Aim: To highlight the rationale, clinical effectiveness, and outcomes of single-sitting pulpectomy in a primary molar through a detailed case report, supported by a review of current evidence and introducing a novel evaluation criteria. Case Report: An 8-year-old male child presented with continuous pain in the lower right posterior region. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed deep dentinal caries involving the pulp with features suggestive of chronic irreversible pulpitis with apical periodontitis in tooth 85. Based on favorable clinical conditions and patient cooperation, a single-visit pulpectomy was performed using a calcium hydroxide?iodoform paste (Metapex), followed by full coronal coverage with a stainless steel crown. The procedure was completed without intraoperative or postoperative complications, and follow-up revealed satisfactory clinical outcomes. Discussion: Single-visit pulpectomy offers advantages such as reduced chair time, elimination of interappointment contamination, improved child compliance, and comparable success rates to multiple-visit protocols when strict case selection criteria are followed. Adequate chemo-mechanical preparation, effective irrigation, use of resorbable obturating materials, and immediate coronal seal are critical for success. The biological healing potential of pediatric periapical tissues further supports the feasibility of this approach. Conclusion: Single-sitting pulpectomy can be a predictable, efficient, and child-friendly treatment option for selected primary teeth with irreversible pulp pathology. When performed under proper clinical guidelines, it provides outcomes comparable to multi-visit procedures while enhancing patient comfort and treatment efficiency.

Keywords: Single-visit pulpectomy, Primary teeth, Pediatric endodontics, Behavior management, SS criteria, Novel evaluation criteria

How to Cite?: Dr. Savitha Sathyaprasad, Dr. Revanuru Swathi, "Single-Visit Pulpectomy in Primary Teeth: A Comprehensive Review, Clinical Case Report and Novel Evaluation Criteria", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 725-733, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26110181340, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26110181340