Comparative evaluation of formocresol and mineral trioxide aggregate in pulpotomized primary molars--2 year follow up.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as an agent for pulpotomy in primary teeth and to compare it with that of Formocresol (FC) pulpotomy.

METHOD: Seventy first and second primary mandibular molars of children were chosen on patients who required minimum two pulpotomies in either arch or same arch. After the standardized technique of Pulpotomy with MTA and Formocresol, all molars were treated with a thick mix of Zinc oxide Eugenol cement into the coronal pulp chamber followed by preformed stainless steel crown. The children were followed up for clinical and radio graphical examination after 6, 12 and 24 month for Pain, Swelling, Sinus/fistula, Periapical changes, Furcation radiolucency and internal resorption.

RESULTS

MTA represents 97% clinical success rate in comparison to Formocresol with 85% success. Radiographically also MTA showed more promising results with 88.6% success in comparison to Formocresol with 54.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, MTA pulpotomy has emerged as an easier line of treatment to save the premature loss of primary teeth due to caries or trauma.