Intracanal irrigants for pulpectomy in primary teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the findings on the clinical efficacy of intracanal irrigants employed during pulpectomy of primary teeth.

A systematic search was performed in electronic databases and peer-reviewed paediatric dentistry journals to find relevant studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text papers were located, screened, and assessed independently by two reviewers, and a meta-analysis was performed.

The search identified a total of 775 records; 46 were selected and reviewed in full text. After screening, seven studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Three studies compared the 2% chlorhexidine and saline solutions, but no analysis could be performed because of the heterogeneity between these; two of the studies reported non-comparative methodologies and results when compared, and were not analysed. Finally, two studies compared a mixture of tetracycline isomer, an acid, and a detergent (MTDA) or oxidative potential water (OPW) to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), without showing significant heterogeneity; therefore, their combined outcomes were included. Both fixed and random mixed models resulted in a non-significant weighted mean difference between treatments, according to a forest plot.

More studies are required with adequate quality, as well as a full-result report, including summary measurements of both response variables and effect size, to determine the most effective irrigant agents for use in pulpectomies.