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Physiological root resorption of primary molars was assessed using bitewings and orthopantomograms. Thirty-six per cent of teeth examined demonstrated reduced root resorption of one or more roots. Excepting the lower first primary molar, the present study recorded a relatively high incidence of uneven root resorption during the exfoliative process, particularly evident for the upper second primary molar. Discrepancy in size between the premolar and its predecessor, as well as the position of the developing permanent tooth in relation to primary root structure influences the pattern of root resorption. Therefore, constant monitoring of teeth demonstrating uneven resorption is required to avoid the complications associated with over-retained teeth.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of pulpal floor damage caused by operator error in a standard pulpotomy exercise, and to determine if this damage produced significant changes in dentin morphology and thickness at the base of the pulp chamber. One hundred and fourteen primary molar teeth were utilized in this study, 61 having pulpotomies and the remainder untreated. The dentin thickness in the furcation was measured on all the teeth and the pulpal floor morphology was examined using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The difference in thickness of dentin in the furcation of pulpotomized and non-pulpotomized teeth was not statistically significant. Less than fourteen per cent of pulpotomized teeth showed damage to the pulpal floor and this damage was only minimal in all cases. This study therefore suggests that damage to the pulpal floor during preparation is unlikely to be a factor contributing to failure of pulpotomies.