Abstract:

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the influence of age on the pulpal blood flow (PBF) of immature maxil-lary incisors of maxillary incisors, which was detected by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Methods LDF was used to detect the PBF value of maxillary central and lateral incisors of a child group (aged 7-13 years old) and a positive control group (aged 18-25 years old), as well as the central incisor of a negative control group (the central incisor had undergone endodontic treatment). We then compared the features of PBF in all groups with the influence of gender and position on PBF. The relation of maxillary central incisor and lateral incisor, age, and maxillary incisor were analyzed. Results The PBF value of the nega-tive control group was (2.08±0.73) PU. The PBF values in the positive control group in central and lateral incisors were (8.49±1.88) and (7.52±1.82) PU. In the child group, PBF values in central incisors and lateral incisors were (11.31±2.21) and (12.18±2.65) PU. A significant difference was observed between different groups and between central and lateral incisors (P<0.01). Meanwhile, no significant difference was found in the PBF values between the right and the left parts in both males and females (P>0.05). Age had a linearity negative correlation with the PBF value of incisors in the child group. A linear nega-tive correlation existed between the age and PBF of central and lateral incisors (r=-0.310 and r=-0.510, respectively) (P<0.01). Conclusion PBF value decreased with increased age in children aged 7-13 years old.

Key words: laser Doppler flowmetry, maxillary inci-sors, pulpal blood flow