Sodium Hypochlorite versus Formocresol in primary molars pulpotomies: a randomized clinical trial

Aim The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to compare the clinical and radiographic success rate of 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 20% Formocresol (FC) as a pulpotomy medicament in carious primary molars. Materials and methods Twenty-four children aged 4-8 years with at least 2 primary molars indicated for pulpotomy were included in this study. Eighty-two teeth received either 5% NaOCl or 20% FC using split mouth design, followed by restoration with IRM base/stainless steel crown (SSC). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results NaOCl and FC groups demonstrated 100% clinical success at 3 months. At 6 months, NaOCl showed 95% and 87.5% clinical and radiographic success rate respectively, while FC showed 95% clinical and radiographic success rate. After 12 months, the clinical and radiographic success rates were 94.6% and 86.5% respectively for NaOCl, and 92.1% and 86.8% for FC. Conclusion The results of this study showed the success rate for NaOCl pulpotomy to be comparable to those for FC pulpotomy.