Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Diluted Formocresol Pulpotomy: Prospective and Retrospective Study Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is widely used in endodontic treatments.
• Diluted formocresol (DFC) has been a traditional medicament for pulpotomies.
• Comparing MTA and DFC in primary molar pulpotomies is crucial for evidence-based practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of grey MTA and DFC when used as pulpotomy medicaments in primary molars.
• To evaluate the efficacy of MTA versus DFC in a teaching institution and a private pediatric dental practice setting.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 206 primary molars treated with MTA and 245 with DFC across two practice settings.
• Radiographic evaluations were conducted at 48 months post-treatment.
• Cox-regression analysis was used to assess factors influencing tooth exfoliation.

Main Results:

• Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) demonstrated a 95% radiographic success rate, compared to 80% for diluted formocresol (DFC) at 48 months.
• Study site did not significantly affect radiographic failure rates.
• Increased patient age at pulpotomy correlated with a higher likelihood of early tooth exfoliation.

Conclusions:

• Grey MTA is an effective and acceptable alternative medicament for primary molar pulpotomies.
• MTA offers a higher radiographic success rate compared to DFC.
• Age is a significant factor in the long-term prognosis of pulpotomized primary teeth.