Pulpotomy of primary molars with coronal or total pulpitis using formocresol technique

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Formocresol is a widely used medicament for pulpotomy in primary teeth.
• Its efficacy in teeth with chronic pulpitis and the influence of different vehicles require further investigation.
• Understanding treatment outcomes is crucial for pediatric dental care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the success rate of formocresol pulpotomy in primary molars with carious exposure and chronic pulpitis.
• To assess the influence of two different vehicles (zinc oxide-eugenol and Pharmatec) on the success of formocresol pulpotomy.
• To compare treatment outcomes between coronal chronic and total chronic pulpitis groups.

Main Methods:

• A total of 81 primary molars with vital pulp and chronic pulpitis symptoms were included.
• Pulpotomies were performed using formocresol as the medicament.
• Teeth were randomly assigned to receive either zinc oxide-eugenol or Pharmatec as the vehicle for formocresol.
• Clinical and radiographic evaluations were conducted over a 2.5-year observation period.

Main Results:

• The overall success rate for formocresol pulpotomy was 55% after 2.5 years.
• No statistically significant difference in success rates was observed between the coronal chronic and total chronic pulpitis groups.
• The choice of vehicle for formocresol (zinc oxide-eugenol vs. Pharmatec) did not significantly affect the treatment's success rate.

Conclusions:

• Formocresol pulpotomy in primary molars with chronic pulpitis demonstrates a moderate success rate of 55% over 2.5 years.
• The vehicle used for formocresol does not appear to significantly influence the success rate of the pulpotomy procedure.
• Further research may be needed to explore alternative treatments or modifications for improved outcomes in cases of chronic pulpitis.