Pulpal therapy for primary teeth: formocresol vs electrosurgery: a clinical study.

Post-operative clinical and x-ray findings on 80 primary molars were evaluated. These molars had undergone pulpal therapy by 2 techniques: pulpotomy with formocresol and with electrosurgery. The sample was selected from children between the ages of 4 and 7. A criterion for inclusion was each child must have at least 2 primary molars with pulp exposed by caries. Experimental molars with 1 or more of the following clinical or radiographic signs and symptoms were excluded: mobility, sensitivity to percussion, the presence of fistulae, groove drainage, apical or internal resorption, fetid smell and compromised furcation. Also excluded were patients previously diagnosed with diabetes, cardiopathy and renal alterations. Initially, a dinical and radiographic examination was carried out, followed by another at 1, 3 and 6 months after application of the techniques. No significant differences were found at the end of the period. However, electrosurgery had an advantage: it was faster to apply and dispensed with the use of formocresol. Further research is suggested, using larger samples and shorter evaluation periods.