A clinical and radiographic assessment of sodium hypochlorite versus formocresol pulpotomy in primary molar teeth: 12-month follow-up

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of pulpotomy in primary molars using formocresol versus sodium hypochlorite. Methods: Twenty-three children aged 4-9 years with at least two primary molars requiring pulpotomy were randomly allocated into two groups. All teeth received stainless steel crown after conventional pulpotomy procedure with either NaOCl or formocresol. Clinical and radiographic signs/symptoms were recorded at six and 12 months. Outcomes were statistically analyzed using Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test. Results: Clinical success rates at 6 and 12-month follow-up in both groups was 100%. At 6-month follow-up, radiographic success rate for NaOCl and formocresol groups was 100%. At 12-month recalls, in NaOCl group, 20 teeth (87%) and in formocresol group, 21 teeth (91.3%) had radiographic success. No significant difference was found in the radiographic success rates at 12 months (P=1.00). Internal root resorption was the most common radiographic pathologic finding in both groups. Conclusion: Clinical and radiographic success rates in NaOCl group was comparable with formocresol group, so NaOCL can be suggested as an alternative for primary teeth pulpotomies. However further clinical studies with long-term follow-ups are needed.