Evaluation of various root canal filling materials in primary molar pulpectomies: an in vivo study

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE), Calcicur, Sealapex and Vitapex in primary molar pulpectomies.

80 primary molars, showing signs of pulpal and/or periapical involvement, with no abnormal mobility, were selected from 76 children aged between 4-9 years-old, free from systemic disease. Radiographic evaluation was done to exclude teeth showing internal or pathological external root resorption and/or inadequate bone support. The selected teeth (20 in each group) were randomly treated with ZOE, Sealapex, Calcicur and Vitapex. The procedure involved primarily a one-visit pulpectomy. The teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically every 2 months for a period of 18 months.

In the ZOE group, all pulpectomies were successful. In the Sealapex group, two pulpectomies and in the Calcicur group, four pulpectomies showed complete resorption of the material in the root canal. Although re-treatment was performed, those teeth had to be removed due to pathological root resorption. In the Vitapex group, although six pulpectomies showed resorption of the filling material within the canals, this had no effect on the clinical and radiographical success of the treatment.