Comparison of clinical and radiographic success rates of pulpotomy in primary molars using Formocresol, Ferric Sulfate and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)

Statement of Problem: Pulpotomy is the most common pulp treatment of primary molars. Formocresol pulpotomy has enjoyed long-term clinical use and success, but concerns over its toxicity and mutagenicity have prompted research into other pulpotomy techniques.Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare the relative success of formocresol, ferric sulfate and MTA pulpotomy methods in primary molars, using clinical and radiographic examinations.Materials and Methods: 135 second primary molars requiring pulpotomy treatment were selected from children between 3 and 6 years of age. They were randomly assigned to three groups according to the pulpal therapy technique: pulpotomy with formocresol, ferric sulfate, and MTA. All pulpotomized teeth were restored with amalgam. The subjects selected for clinical and radiographic evaluations were monitored periodically for 3 and 12 months.Results: The clinical success rate of the MTA group was 82.1% after one year which was significantly less than the 100% observed in the other groups (P= 0.005).The highest and lowest radiographic success rates after one year, were encountered in the formocresol (92.5%) and MTA (69.2%) groups respectively, which showed a significant difference (P=0.01). The success rate of the ferric sulfate group was 80.50%.Conclusion: MTA is not recommended as a pulpotomy medicament in primary teeth,but ferric sulfate may be acceptable as an alternative to formocresol.