Formocresol versus calcium hydroxide direct pulp capping of human primary molars: two year follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the premedicated direct pulp capping using formocresol (PDC) versus conventional direct pulp capping using calcium hydroxide (CDC) in human carious primary molars.


METHODS
A total of 120 vital primary molars with pinpoint exposure during caries removal in 84 patients aged 4-5 years were selected. In the PDC group (n = 60), 20% Buckley's formocresol solution, and in the CDC group (n = 60), calcium hydroxide powder were applied to the exposure sites followed by placement of zinc oxide-eugenol base. Teeth were restored with preformed stainless steel crowns. Clinical and radiographic evaluations of the treatment outcomes were performed at regular intervals of 6 and 12 months, respectively, for two years post-operatively.


RESULTS
The prevalence of spontaneous pain, sensitivity on percussion, and fistula were significantly higher in the CDC group compared to the PDC group (P < 0.05). The number of teeth exhibiting periapical/furcal radiolucency or external/internal root resorption was also higher in the CDC group (P < 0.05). The clinical success rate of the PDC was 90% compared to the 61.7% of the CDC (P < 0.05). The radiographic success rates of the PDC and CDC groups were 85% and 53.3%, respectively (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
It seems formocresol premedicated direct pulp capping could safely be used as a substitute for conventional direct pulp capping.
Aminabadi
Naser Asl
NA
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. n-aminabadi@tbzmed.ac.ir
Farahani
Ramin Mostofi Zadeh
RM
Oskouei
Sina Ghertasi
SG
D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003442:Crowns; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy; D003736:Dental Cavity Lining / Q000379:methods; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003785:Dental Pulp Capping / Q000379:methods*; D003789:Dental Pulp Exposure / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005566:Formocresols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D016155:Oral Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D010474:Percussion; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D014098:Toothache / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003722:Dental Alloys; D003764:Dental Materials; D005566:Formocresols; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement; D013193:Stainless Steel; C031025:formocresol; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide