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.