title: Sodium hypochlorite pulpotomies in primary teeth: a retrospective assessment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In 2007, the University of Iowa's advanced training program in pediatric dentistry replaced the traditional formocresol vital pulpotomy technique with a 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical/radiographic success over 21 months of 5% NaOCl as the medicament in primary molar pulpotomies compared to published data for formocresol and ferric sulfate pulpotomies.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart audit was performed to evaluate results for all primary molar pulpotomies completed during a 12-month period using NaOCl. Dental records were reviewed for clinical and radiographic findings subsequent to pulp therapy. Clinical and radiographic criteria used to determine pulpotomy success were based on scientific literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred ninety-two NaOCl primary molar pulpotomies were completed in 118 patients; 131 (68%) primary molars from 77 children were available for follow-up examination (mean time since pulpotomy=10.5 months). NaOCl pulpotomies had a 95% clinical and 82% overall radiographic success rate. External root resorption was the most common pathologic finding. Pulpotomy success diminished over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical and radiographic success rates in this study on NaOCl pulpotomies are comparable to formocresol and ferric sulfate pulpotomies reported in the literature. Further study with longer observation periods is warranted.
authors: Former resident, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
authors: Sean F
authors: SF
authors: Vostatek
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Kanellis
authors: Karin
authors: K
authors: Weber-Gasparoni
authors: Robert L
authors: RL
authors: Gregorsok
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005566:Formocresols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar; D057872:Pulp Capping and Pulpectomy Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011670:Pulpectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005566:Formocresols; D057872:Pulp Capping and Pulpectomy Agents; C031025:formocresol; C024823:ferric sulfate; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite