Assessment of Undergraduate Training in Pulpectomy Using Model Teeth and Extracted Natural Teeth.

Abstract

Aims and background: Pulpectomy is a procedure that is done by removing the entire coronal and radicular pulp of primary teeth. To achieve an optimal outcome in dental treatment, a combination of scientific knowledge and technical skills is required. Sufficient simulated practice is needed for dental students before performing treatment on patients as they get better hand-eye-foot coordination. The main aim of the study is to assess undergraduate training in pulpectomy using the typodont model and extracted natural teeth.

Materials and methods: The study included 100 final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students, with 50 practicing pulpectomy on typodont teeth and 50 on extracted natural teeth. All students then performed pulpectomy on pediatric teeth. Clinical performance was assessed based on access cavity preparation, biomechanical preparation (BMP), obturation, and procedural efficiency. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to compare the effectiveness of training on model vs natural teeth.

Results: Regarding obturation, students trained with extracted teeth showed better results, with an optimal obturation (91 vs 96%). Group II (extracted natural teeth) outperformed group I (artificial teeth) in BMP. Canal cleaning adequacy was higher (91 vs 87%), and shaping accuracy improved (93 vs 87%), likely due to the realistic anatomical challenges of natural teeth. Errors in over- or underpreparation were also fewer in group II (6 vs 18%), indicating enhanced judgment in canal preparation.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study demonstrated that training with extracted natural teeth resulted in superior performance in key pulpectomy procedures, such as access cavity preparation, BMP, and obturation, compared to training with model teeth.

Clinical significance: This study evaluates the effectiveness of model and natural teeth training in enhancing student competency for pediatric pulpectomy, aiding improvements in dental education and clinical outcomes.

How to cite this article: Venkatraj R, Gurunathan D. Assessment of Undergraduate Training in Pulpectomy Using Model Teeth and Extracted Natural Teeth. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(8):977-981.