Evaluation of 3Mix-MP and pulpectomies in non-vital primary molars

Pulpectomies in primary molars are often hindered by several factors, including anatomical and physiological characteristics of posterior primary teeth and young patients' lack of cooperation with laborious treatments. This study was undertaken in search of easier but equally effective therapies that could eliminate infection, preserve the teeth and avoid extractions. The aim of the study was to estimate and compare clinical and radiographic success between pulp treatment with 3Mix-MP and pulpectomy with Maisto-Capurro paste in primary necrotic molars. A longitudinal prospective study was conducted at the Department of Comprehensive Pediatric Dentistry of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Buenos Aires (20152017). The study included 46 primary molars with necrotic pulp of children without immune or metabolic compromise. Children and their legal guardians provided assent and informed consent. Selected molars were randomly divided into 2 groups: G1: Pulpectomy treatment with Maisto-Capurro paste; and G2: Treatment with 3Mix-MP paste. Treatments were evaluated at 1, 3, 6,12 and 18 months (intra and inter-rater agreement 0.92 and 0.84). Clinical success was considered to be the absence of any of the following: pain, sensitivity to percussion or palpation, swelling, fistula and non-physiological mobility, while radiographic success was considered to be: absence of internal or external non-physiological resorption, no progression or reduction of radiolucent periapical/interradicular lesion and evidence of bone regeneration. Percentages, 95% C.I., and CHI2 were calculated for the comparison between groups. Overall clinical success was 91.5% and 87.5% (p=0.48) and overall radiographic success was 88.3% and 82.3% (p=0.31) for G1 and G2 respectively. No significant clinical or radiographic difference was found between groups. Both treatments showed similar clinical and radiographic behavior during the study periods.