Clinical and Periapical Radiographic Evaluation of TheraCal and Calcium Sulphate Versus Formocresol as Pulpotomy Agents in Primary Molars

Aim:was to evaluate, clinically and radiographically, the effect of TheraCal, calcium sulphate and formocresol as pulpotomy medicaments in primary molars.
Methods:Sixty carious mandibular second primary molars of 60 children, indicated for vital pulpotomy were selected from Pediatric Dental Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University. Profound local anesthesia, isolation by rubber dam was performed. Caries was completely removed, coronal pulp tissue was amputated using sharp spoon excavator, after blood clot establishment, pulp medicaments were applied over the pulp stump according to manufacture instructions. Teeth were classified into 3 equal groups according to the type of medicament; formocresol, TheraCal and calcium sulphate. Final restoration was performed with stainless steel crowns. Both clinical and radiographic evaluation were done for all teeth at 3, 6,9,12 months.
Results:After one year, from clinical and radiographic records, TheraCal group showed the higher success rate than calcium sulphate group followed by formocresol group. The clinical success rate was88.9% for TheraCal, 81.2% calcium ferric sulphate, and 73.3% with formocresol. Radiological success rates in TheraCal, calcium sulphate, and formocresol groups were 88.9%, 87.5%, and 80%, respectively.
Conclusion:TheraCal and calcium sulphate are successful substitutes to formocresol as pulp medicaments for primary molars pulpotomy.