title: Pulpectomies in primary mandibular molars: a comparison of outcomes using three root filling materials.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the outcome of root canal treatment in primary teeth using three root canal filling materials - RC Fill, Vitapex and Pulpdent root canal sealer.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a single-centre, double-blind, randomized controlled trial carried out on 129 primary mandibular molars with necrotic pulps or irreversible pulpitis in 4- to 9-year-old children. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into 3 groups: Group I - RC Fill [zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) with iodoform]; Group II - Vitapex (calcium hydroxide with iodoform); and Group III - Pulpdent root canal sealer (ZOE). The outcome measures were evaluated both clinically and radiographically at 6, 12 and 30 months according to modified American Association of Endodontists (AAE) criteria. The radiographic outcomes were assessed by two blinded and calibrated evaluators. Pearson's chi-square analysis was performed for both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The success rates of RC Fill, Vitapex and Pulpdent were 94%, 90% and 97%, respectively, at 30 months and the differences were not significant (P = 0.137).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All three materials were found to be equally effective root filling materials for primary molars with necrotic pulps and irreversible pulpitis at 30 months. However, long-term follow-up until the eruption of the permanent successor teeth is needed for more definitive assessments.
authors.affiliation: Pedo Planet, Pediatric Dental Centre and Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pramila
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Muthu
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Deepa
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Farzan
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: S J L
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
mesh_terms: D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D011670:Pulpectomy; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D014092:Tooth Root; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement
chemical_list: D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D015035:Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement
keywords: RC Fill; pulpdent root canal sealer; pulpectomy; randomized controlled trial; vitapex