Histologic evaluation of the effect of formocresol and glutaraldehyde on the periapical tissues after endodontic treatment

The root canals of twelve pairs of human incisors without hard tissue or periodontal disease were treated with either formocresol or glutaraldehyde. The periapical reactions were compared histologically after periods varying between 6 and 8 weeks. A formocresol dressing always resulted in irritation of the periapical tissues, whereas little or no irritation was found after treatment with glutaraldehyde. It can be concluded that, after a vital pulpectomy, treatment of root canals with glutaraldehyde is faster than, as efficient as, and less irritating than treatment with formocresol.