A critical look at glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde has been proposed as an alternative to formocresol in pulpotomy treatment of primary teeth. Data regarding effects of the two medicaments have been discussed in the literature, but little attention has been given to critical comparisons concerning parameters of toxicity, mutagenicity, and systemic distribution of the two agents. This paper reviews previous data on systemic distribution of glutaraldehyde and formocresol from pulpotomy sites, as well as cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of the agents. Comparisons reveal little difference between the agents on the parameters reviewed. The authors question the rationale for glutaraldehyde as an alternative to formocresol.