A retrospective study of a modified 1-minute formocresol pulpotomy technique part 1: clinical and radiographic findings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a 1-minute application of full-strength Buckley's formocresol with concurrent hemostasis using the medicated cotton pledget in human primary teeth.

METHODS: Using a retrospective chart review, clinical and radiographic data were available for 557 primary molars in 320 patients. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis were used to assess outcomes.

RESULTS: Overall clinical success, radiographic success, and cumulative 5-year survival rates were approximately 99%, 90%, and 87%, respectively. Internal root resorption (∼5%) and pulp canal obliteration (∼2%) were the most frequently observed radiographic failures. Thirty-nine teeth were extracted due to clinical and or radiographic failure. Mandibular molars were 6 times more prone to radiographic failure than maxillary molars.

CONCLUSIONS: Success rates for the modified technique are comparable to techniques that use the 5-minute diluted or full-strength solutions reported in the literature. This 1-minute full-strength formocresol technique is an acceptable alternative to published traditional techniques.