A randomised controlled clinical trial comparing pure Portland cement and formocresol pulpotomies followed from 2 to 4 years.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the present prospective randomised clinical control trial was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic success rate of pulpotomies in primary molars using pure Portland cement versus formocresol. Pure Portland cement has shown a high rate of success in pulpotomy treatments, with no side effects.

Methods: Healthy 3- to 11-year-old children were treated with pulpotomies on primary molars as part of their scheduled dental treatment. Pulp dressing alternated randomly between pure Portland cement and formocresol. Data were analysed at follow-up periods up to 48 months.

Results: 68 (50%) teeth with pure Portland cement and 68 (50%) teeth with formocresol in 136 healthy children (59 boys and 77 girls) were followed. The overall success rate of the pulpotomies in this study was 95.6%. Pure Portland cement was successful in 100% of the cases (68 out of 68), and formocresol in 91.1% (62 out of 68). No association was found between success and type of tooth or time range from treatment to last follow-up.

Conclusion: Based on this study's results, it can be concluded that there is no superiority of one material over the other and pure Portland cement can be used in primary molar pulpotomies.