A randomized study of sodium hypochlorite versus formocresol pulpotomy in primary molar teeth

Abstract

Background: Alternatives to vital pulpotomy treatment in primary teeth are being sought because of the high formaldehyde content of traditional formocresol (FC) pulpotomy medicaments.

Aim: The aim was to compare the clinical and radiographic success of vital pulpotomy treatment in primary molars using 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) versus a 1:5 dilution of Buckley's FC.

Design: Pulpotomies were performed in primary molars of healthy children between 3 and 10 years old. Sixty-five primary teeth were randomized into two groups that were evaluated for treatment outcomes. Following treatment, the pulp chamber was filled with zinc oxide eugenol (ZnOE) and restored with a stainless steel crown cemented with glass ionomer cement. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were recorded at 6 and 12 months.

Results: The control (FC) and experimental (NaOCl) groups demonstrated 100% clinical success at 6 and 12 months. The NaOCl group had 86% (19/22) radiographic success at 6 months and 80% (12/15) at 12 months. The FC group had 84% (21/25) radiographic success at 6 months and 90% (9/10) at 12 months. No significant differences were found in the radiographic outcomes between the two groups at 6 and 12 months (Fisher's exact test; P=0.574 and P=0.468, respectively).

Conclusion: NaOCl demonstrated clinical and radiographic success comparable to FC.