Evaluation of the efficacy of Myristica Fragrans as a pulpotomy medicament in primary molars: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background An extensive literature review indicates that Myristica fragrans Nutmeg is a natural wonder drug with a broad range of pharmacological effects. A single spice has the potential to treat a wide range of diseases. This is a preliminary investigation to assess Myristica fragrans Nutmeg efficacy as a pulpotomy medicament.Objective To assess the clinical and radiographic efficacy of Myristica fragrans as pulpotomy medicament and compare it with white mineral trioxide aggregate MTAmdash an excellent biomaterial used for pulpotomy in primary teeth. Materials and methods This is a triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial performed on children aged between 4ndash8 years with primary molars requiring pulpotomy. A total of 50 teeth were randomly assigned into two groups after pulp amputation and hemostasis group A received Myristica fragrans with zinc oxide eugenol and group B received MTA over the pulp stumps. Teeth were then filled with glass ionomer cement and then complete coronal restorations with stainless steel crowns were given. The evaluation was done both clinically and radiographically by a blinded calibrated evaluator based on Zurn and Seale criteria at 3 6 and 12 months. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.Results Both groups showed 100 success clinically and radiographically throughout the follow-up period. The results indicated that Myristica fragrans showed similar performance as MTA when used as a pulpotomy medicament.Conclusions Myristica fragrans can be suggested as a pulpotomy agent for primary teeth. However further clinical studies with long-term follow-ups are needed to give more affirmative results.