What is a potential complication from a failed Ca(OH)2 pulpotomy?

A failed calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) pulpotomy can lead to pulp necrosis, which is the death of the dental pulp tissue. In a pulpotomy procedure, the intention is to remove the diseased portion of the pulp while preserving the healthy tissue. Calcium hydroxide is used for its medicative properties to promote healing and encourage reparative dentin formation. However, if the treatment is unsuccessful, the bacteria can proliferate in the pulp chamber, which may result in inflammation and ultimately necrosis of the pulp tissue.

Pulp necrosis is a serious consequence as it means that the pulp is no longer functioning properly, which can lead to further complications such as abscess formation, pain, and the need for more invasive treatments like root canal therapy or extraction. While infection of the pulp and increased sensitivity to temperature could also occur as a result of a failed procedure, they are often sequelae of pulp necrosis rather than direct outcomes of the failure of the pulpotomy itself. Similarly, the formation of a cyst could happen as a consequence of ongoing infection or inflammation but isn’t the immediate and primary complication following a failed pulpotomy.