Comparative Long-Term Outcomes of Formocresol, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, and Laser Pulpotomy Techniques in Primary Teeth.

Abstract

Background: Pulpotomy is a common dental procedure used to treat extensively decayed primary teeth, aiming to preserve the vitality and function of the remaining pulp tissue. Various pulpotomy techniques and materials have been developed, but their long-term outcomes in terms of success rates and complications remain a subject of ongoing research.

Materials and methods: A total of 180 primary molars from children aged 4-8 years were treated using three different pulpotomy techniques: Formocresol (n = 60), Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) (n = 60), and Laser Pulpotomy (n = 60). Follow-ups were conducted at 6, 12, and 24 months posttreatment to evaluate clinical and radiographic success. Clinical success was defined by the absence of pain, swelling, and mobility, while radiographic success was indicated by the lack of internal resorption, furcation radiolucency, and periapical pathology.

Results: At the 24-month follow-up, the clinical success rates were 80% for Formocresol, 95% for MTA, and 90% for Laser Pulpotomy. Radiographic success rates were 75% for Formocresol, 92% for MTA, and 88% for Laser Pulpotomy. MTA demonstrated the highest overall success rates, with statistically significant differences compared to Formocresol (P < 0.01) but not Laser Pulpotomy (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) showed superior long-term outcomes compared to Formocresol and comparable results to Laser Pulpotomy for the treatment of primary teeth.