Preliminary evaluation of sodium hypochlorite for pulpotomies in primary molars.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) to that of ferric sulfate (FeSO4) as a pulpotomy medicament in decayed primary molars.


METHODS
Healthy subjects between 4 and 9 years with at least 2 primary molars needing pulpotomy consented to receive either NaOCl or FeSO4 and restoration with IRM base/stainless steel crown in a prospective, randomized design. Clinical and radiographic signs/symptoms were recorded at 0, 6, and 12 months.


RESULTS
Twenty-three subjects were recruited. Six-month results are based on the first 32 teeth in the NaOCl group and 28 teeth in the FeSO4 group. Twelve-month results are based on 13 teeth in the FeSO4 group and 14 in the NaOCl group. Results show 100% restoration retention in both groups and no signs/symptoms of pain at 6 and 12 months. At 6 months, 100% clinical success was found with both FeSO4 and NaOCl. Radiographic success for FeSO4 was 68%, with internal resorption being the most common finding. The NaOCl group showed 91% radiographic success, P = .050. At 12 months, FeSO4 had 85% clinical success and 62% radiographic success. NaOCl had 100% clinical success and 79% radiographic success.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary evidence shows that NaOCl can be used successfully as a pulpotomy medicament.
Vargas
Kaaren G
KG
Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA. kaaren-g-vargas@uiowa.edu
Packham
Brett
B
Lowman
David
D
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003442:Crowns; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008768:Methylmethacrylates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011672:Pulpotomy / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014091:Tooth Resorption / Q000209:etiology; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement; D013193:Stainless Steel; C024823:ferric sulfate; C031667:IRM cement; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite