title: A retrospective radiographic evaluation of primary molar pulpectomies.
abstract: Relatively few long-term studies have been performed to evaluate the clinical success of one-appointment pulpectomies in primary molar teeth. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the radiographic appearance of nonvital primary molars before and after treatment with a one-appointment formocresol pulpectomy technique. The mean length of time since pulpectomy treatment for the 62 primary molars was 40.2 months. Based upon strict radiographic criteria, the one-appointment pulpectomy procedure was considered to be successful in 82.3% (51) of the cases, with 3.2% (2) of pulpectomized primary molars needing retreatment, and 14.5% (9) of pulpectomy procedures failing. The pulpectomy procedure is indicated when inflammation of the pulpal tissue extends into the root canals, and possibly involves the periapical and/or bifurcation areas. This procedure provides an alternative to extraction and space maintenance when the pediatric dentist encounters a nonvital primary molar tooth.
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Barr
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Flatiz
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hicks
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003788:Dental Pulp Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D005566:Formocresols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011670:Pulpectomy; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016388:Tooth Loss; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005566:Formocresols