title: The effect of 2% chlorhexidine as root canal irrigant in pulpectomies of primary molars.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) compared to normal saline solution (NSS) as an irrigant during pulpectomy in primary molars.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-four primary mandibular molars from 42 children (average age=5.29±1.45  years old) met the inclusion criteria. CHX or NSS was allocated to each tooth by stratified block randomization. A 1-visit pulpectomy and stainless steel crown were performed by a single investigator. The clinical and radiographic diagnoses were blindly assessed by 2 calibrated investigators.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall success rates in the NSS group were approximately 83%, 93%, and 97% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. In the CHX group, the overall success rates were 100%, 97%, and 93% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Using the chi-square test, the outcomes were significantly  different at 6 months, but not significant at 12 and 18 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in primary molar pulpectomies might enhance the outcome of the treatment 6 months postoperatively. Both normal saline solution and CHX irrigants gave comparable results  at longer postoperative periods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry and Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. dinon25@gmail.com
authors.forename: Phumisak
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Louwakul
authors.forename: Wilawan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Prucksathamrongkul
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011670:Pulpectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D002710:Chlorhexidine