title: Morphologic and enzyme histochemical observations on the pulp of human primary molars 3 to 5 years after formocresol treatment.
abstract: The state of the pulp of twenty-seven primary teeth treated by formocresol pulpotomy (clinically and radiographically successful) was assessed 3 to 5 years after treatment. A wide variation was found in the pulpal condition, from normal pulp tissue to total necrosis. Resorption and apposition of hard tissue were common findings. Five teeth were freeze-sectioned and incubated for histochemical demonstration of oxidative enzymes. The pulps of two teeth were vital; two teeth had necrotic areas subjacent to the amputation paste; and one pulp was totally necrotic. Six teeth were extracted 5 minutes after formocresol pulpotomy and incubated for demonstration of oxidative enzymes. An unstained zone, 1 to 2 mm. deep, was seen in all incubated sections. In conclusion, it seems that the formocresol method should be regarded only as a means to keep primary teeth with pulp exposures functioning for a relativley short period of time.
mesh_terms: D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D005566:Formocresols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D010088:Oxidoreductases / Q000378:metabolism; D011672:Pulpotomy
chemical_list: D005566:Formocresols; D010088:Oxidoreductases