Purpose: The successful treatment of root pulp stumps in vital primary molars after pulpotomy continues to be elusive. This prospective study was aimed at evaluating the effect of the carbon dioxide laser on vital primary pulp tissue. Materials and Methods: 212 primary molars with deep carious lesions were selected for the study. All of the children were treated under general anesthesia by the same dentist. After pulpotomy, the hemostatic treatment of root pulp stumps was performed with a superpulsed CO2 laser (Nova Pulse, wavelength 10.6 µm) with a 0.8-mm ceramic tip for 2 to 5 s. A laser power output of 3 W was used to irradiate the pulp. The laser treatment was followed by placement of a zinc-oxide/eugenol and Harvard cement base and a stainless steel crown. Clinical and radiographic data were collected 18 months after placement. Results: The overall clinical success rate was 98.1%. Overall radiographic success was 91.8%. The most frequently observed pulpal responses were interradicular bone destruction (4.27%) followed by internal resorption (2.52%) and uneven root resorption (1.68%). In 1.8%, a fistula appeared after 6 to 12 months. None of the children showed any symptoms of pain or tenderness upon percussion. Conclusion: The results show that the use of a superpulsed carbon dioxide laser with a power output of 3 W appears to be a favorable alternative for the hemostatic treatment of root pulp stumps of primary molars after pulpotomy.
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