title: Pulpotomy versus pulpectomy for carious vital primary incisors: randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this prospective, randomized, split-mouth investigation was to compare the success rates of formocresol pulpotomies (FC) and Vitapex(®) pulpectomies (RCT) in asymptomatic carious vital primary incisors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Matched contralateral pairs of asymptomatic, carious, vital primary incisors were randomized to receive FC or RCT by 2 standardized operators and restored with stainless steel crowns. Seventy-four incisors were followed clinically and radiographically for up to 23 months. Two standardized examiners evaluated radiographic findings using separate pulpotomy and pulpectomy scales (modified Zurn/Seale).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Incisors present at each interval (5-9, 10-14, and 15-23 months) showed no clinical failures. One FC incisor was lost early and counted as a failure. Though not significantly different, there were higher numbers of successful radiographic outcomes for FC than RCT at each observation interval. Cumulative final radiographic success was 89% (n=33) for FC and 73% (n=27) for RCT. (P=.11).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Anecdotal claims that pulpotomies are unsuccessful in primary incisors are unfounded. There was no significant difference in success rates of pulpotomies and pulpectomies in the pulp treatment of asymptomatic vital primary incisors. Intracanal resorption of Vitapex(®) was seen in all pulpectomy teeth and did not affect pulpectomy outcome.
authors.affiliation: bregahowley@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Brega
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Howley
authors.forename: N Sue
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Seale
authors.forename: Alton G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: McWhorter
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kerins
authors.forename: Kent B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Boozer
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lindsey
mesh_terms: D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005566:Formocresols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000473:pathology; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D057872:Pulp Capping and Pulpectomy Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011670:Pulpectomy; D011672:Pulpotomy; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012828:Silicones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005566:Formocresols; D057872:Pulp Capping and Pulpectomy Agents; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012828:Silicones; C029584:calcium hydroxide, iodoform, silicone oil drug combination; C031025:formocresol; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide