Radicular Portion Research Articles

An In Vitro Evaluation of the Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Three Different Chemical Decalcifying Agents on Periodontally Compromised Root Surfaces: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

Aim of the current research was to assess the smear layer removal efficacy of SofScale, Carisolv gel, and QMix chemical decalcifying substances on periodontally weakened radicular surfaces. The sample size constituted 60 recently extracted periodontally compromised teeth having a poor prognosis. The samples were allocated at random to one of the following three groups (20 in each): Group I: Scaling and root planing (SRP) with SofScale, Group II: SRP with Carisolv gel, and group III: SRP with QMix. The surfaces thus subjected to treatment were washed with 20 mL of saline and the crown portion was detached at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Following this, samples were horizontally and vertically segmented employing a diamond circular disk with 150-200 μm thickness. Every sample segment was subjected to rinsing in normal saline and positioned in 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution in 0.1 M phosphate buffer at a pH of 7.4 for at least 24 hours. Samples were evaluated in a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at a magnification of 2000×, and photomicrographs were assessed to establish the degree of radicular biomodification by eliminating the smear layer. QMix group showed the highest smear layer elimination at 3.56 ± 0.13 in pursuit by Carisolv gel at 3.64 ± 0.11 and SofScale group with 4.68 ± 0.08. The differences amid the groups were statistically significant with p <0.001. On multiple contrast assessments of smear layer elimination effectiveness of the dissimilar chemical decalcifying substances employing Tukey's HSD, statistically significant differences were noted between group I and group II, as well as group I and group III (p <0.001). However, there were no significant differences between group II and group III (p >0.001). In conclusion, QMix was noted to have a superior smear layer elimination capacity in comparison with the radicular surfaces conditioned with Carisolv and SofScale. Modifying the surface of teeth by radicular conditioning causes the enhanced attachment of connective tissues coupled with progression in the final aim of reconstructive periodontal therapy. The utility of chemical substances along with physical management characterizes the probability of reduced trauma during treatment, avoiding the sacrifice of radicular portions of teeth.

Glass Fiber Post lengths and adhesive strategies to restore extensively damaged canines

The aim of this study was to evaluate different post lengths and adhesive strategies for restoring extensively damaged canines. Sixty human canines were randomly distributed into two groups (n=30), according to the resin cement used: self-adhesive or conventional. Each group was further distributed into 3 groups (n=10) based on the intracanal post lengths: 5, 7.5 and 10 mm. The radicular portion was endodontically filled, the cervical third was enlarged to simulate extensive damage and the coronal portion was reconstructed with composite resin. The samples were prepared with a simulated periodontal ligament and submitted to fatigue loading (160N – 1,200,000 cycles), followed by fracture resistance testing. The results were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=5%). The assessed glass fiber post lengths have not influenced on the fracture resistance (p&gt;0.05). However, the performance of the conventional cements was better than the self-adhesive cements when the same post length was compared (p&lt;0.05). Repairable fractures were prevalent (70-90%) in all groups tested. Conventional resin cement yielded higher fracture resistance than self-adhesive cement, regardless the post length adopted.

Evaluation of Photosensitizers on Root Canal Disinfection and Bonding Interface of Fiber Post Cementation System: An In Vitro Study

The current study aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of photosensitizers rose Bengal (RB), riboflavin, and curcumin (CP) to the conventional canal disinfection regime sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on the bonding interface of a fiber post cementation system. Sixty nontraumatic, extracted, and closed apex human mandibular second premolars were gathered and disinfected. All specimens were decoronated and embedded perpendicularly in heat cure acrylic resin. Shaping and cleaning of the canal were done and obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. Using peeso-reamer canal space was prepared. To assess the effectiveness of various disinfectants, post space was cleansed with four different types of disinfectants (n = 15) in each group. Group I riboflavin + 17% mixture of tetracycline, acid, and detergent (MTAD); group II CP + 17% MTAD; group III RB + 17% MTAD; and group IV 2.5% NaOCl + 17% MTAD. Fiber post was luted within radicular dentin of each sample with dual-cure self-etch resin cement. The specimen's radicular portions were vertically segregated into apical, middle, and coronal dentinal post portions and positioned over the universal testing machine. Modes of failure were assessed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for the means of independent unrelated groups. Mean differences were calculated using Tukey multiple comparison tests (p = 0.05). Group II canal disinfected with CP + 17% MTAD at all three levels of root demonstrated the highest PBS score. Group IV (control) in which samples were disinfected by the conventional method (2.5% NaOCl + 17% MTAD) showed the lowest PBS at all root portions. Intergroup comparison unveiled PBS at all three root levels for group II (CP + 17% MTAD) and group I (riboflavin + 17% MTAD) than group III (RB + 17% MTAD) (p >0.05). The intragroup assessment demonstrated a significant inclination in values of PBS from coronal to apical direction in all examined groups. The use of photosensitizers curcumin, rose Bengal, and riboflavin as canal disinfectant demonstrated better PBS compared to the conventional method of canal disinfectant NaOCl at all three root levels coronal, middle, and apical. In a nonvital tooth, radicular disinfection is necessary. Loss of structure in endodontically treated teeth requires post which improves strength and prognosis of treatment. The bonding of glass fiber post to radicular dentin necessitates good clinical outcomes.

Management of Open Gingival Embrasures: A Scope for Prosthetic Dentistry

A smile that is pleasing and beaming can be achieved by appropriate position of tooth, periodontal status of the tooth, type of prosthesis, as well as condition of the soft tissue. Any disharmony in these factors can lead to the formation of black triangles which are unesthetic. These unesthetic zones can be corrected by an interdisciplinary approach which includes orthodontic, prosthodontic, periodontic, endodontic branches. The treatment modality that is opted for a particular patient depends on the age of the patient, the biotype of gingiva, the form and condition of the radicular portion of the tooth as well as the interproximal space available. Surgical approach includes the recontouring, reconstructing, preserving of the interdental papilla. Surgical technique includes releasing, reflecting and stabilizing the interdental papilla. The non-surgical approach includes proper aligning of the maligned teeth by fixed orthodontic appliances thus decreasing the crest of bone and contact point distance. Endodontically the gingival black triangles can be treated by the use of composite resin in shades of pink to reproduce gingival contour. Open gingival embrasures can also be corrected with the help of ovate pontics that are easy to design and are more esthetic as compared to the conical pontic. To restore the scalloped architecture of the soft tissue, recontouring of the soft tissue surrounding the restoration followed by placement of ovate pontic can be done which is supported by the adjacent teeth. Open gingival embrasure can be masked with the use of silicones or removable acrylics as a gingival veneer. This type of prosthesis is also helpful in patients who have exposed radicular portion of the tooth because of excessive loss of alveolar bone. This review article discusses about the various etiologic factors accounting to the formation of open gingival embrasures, along with its classification and the various treatment modalities that are taken into consideration.

Periodontal ligament enhancement in mesio-angulated impaction of third molars after orthodontic tooth movement: A prospective cohort study

The mesio-angulated impaction of mandibular third molars makes them unsuitable as donor teeth for tooth autotransplantation. However, uprighted molars may be applicable for autotransplantation. This study aimed to determine the amount of periodontal ligament (PDL) on the root surfaces of extracted third molars after an application of uprighting force and to examine the amount of PDL at the tension and compression sites. In this prospective cohort study, 15 mesio-angulated mandibular third molars (iM8s) from 15 patients planned for orthodontic extraction, were uprighted using springs connected to miniscrews, whereas 15 nonopposing and fully erupted mandibular third molars from 15 other patients served as controls. The altered angulation was monitored and assessed from panoramic radiographs. All 30molars, removed by simple extraction, were stained with 0.04% (w/v) toluidine blue to analyze the percentages of stained PDL on the root surfaces. An average period of 3.4months was necessary to upright the iM8s at a mean rate of 8.3° per month. The mean percentage of stained PDL on the loaded iM8s was significantly greater than that on the unloaded molars (P<0.05). The mean percentages of stained PDL were significantly increased at the cervical and middle thirds and the buccal, mesial, and distal surfaces of the loaded iM8s compared with those of the unloaded molars (P<0.05), whereas the apical third and the lingual surface, corresponding to the compression sites, showed no significant increases. Orthodontic uprighting leads to significantly increased proliferative PDL on certain radicular portions and surfaces of iM8s, which might be useful for tooth autotransplantation.

A Comparative Evaluation of the Influence of Three Different Vehicles on the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Triple Antibiotic Paste against Enterococcus faecalis: An In vitro Study.

Introduction:The root canal is a hub of numerous microorganisms. Routine endodontic procedures fail to remove the resistant microorganisms such as Enterococcus faecalis.Aim:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of different vehicles on the antimicrobial efficacy of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) on E. faecalis infected root canals.Materials and Methods:Eighty single-rooted and freshly extracted human teeth were prepared in radicular portion, and pure culture of E. faecalis (ATCC® 29212™) inoculum was injected into canals of tooth blocks and incubated for 21 days. Tooth blocks were divided into five groups. Each experimental group was then medicated with 0.1 ml of TAP and no medication was added for control groups. After 21 days of incubation at 37°C, colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) were counted for each group.Results:Group II treated with TAP mixed with propylene glycol revealed a maximum reduction in CFU/ml, and that was followed by Group I and Group III, where TAP was mixed with 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and 0.9% normal saline, respectively. Data were compared and analyzed using statistics software. The results were considered statistically significant for P < 0.05. There was a statistically significant difference in CFU/ml between propylene glycol and positive control group, between CHX and positive control group, between saline and positive control group.Conclusions:The propylene glycol group with TAP was the most effective vehicle for the elimination of E. faecalis from canals of tooth blocks, followed by 2% CHX solution as the second vehicle of choice over 0.9% normal saline.

Intentional Replantation with a 2-segment Restoration Method to Treat Severe Palatogingival Grooves in the Maxillary Lateral Incisor: A Report of 3 Cases

The palatogingival groove is a developmental anomaly that typically starts near the cingulum of the maxillary incisors and extends along the roots at varying lengths and depths. Severe grooves that extend to the root apex often lead to complex combined periodontal-endodontic lesions. There are various therapeutic options available for these cases; however, the prognosis is unfavorable. Here, we report the successful surgical treatment of 3 cases of maxillary lateral incisors with severe palatogingival grooves using intentional replantation with a 2-segment restoration method. The teeth were gently extracted, resulting in minimal damage to the periodontal ligament. Under a dental operating microscope, 3 mm of the root end was resected. The palatogingival groove was removed, and root-end preparation was performed with a #700 fissure bur. The groove cavity was connected with root-end cavity to form a class II cavity. The cavity was then filled using a 2-segment restoration method (ie, dividing the cavity into 2 parts by the cementoenamel junction, the coronal portion was filled with a flowable composite while the radicular portion, including the root-end cavity, was filled with bioceramics). The tooth was then replanted into its alveolar bone and splinted with a flexible splint for 7 days. The sinus tract was closed at the 1-week postoperative visit. During subsequent recalls, the teeth showed almost complete periapical healing. In summary, intentional replantation with a 2-segment restoration method is a viable treatment modality for single-rooted teeth with a severe palatogingival groove that extends to the root apex.

Fused roots of maxillary molars: characterization and prevalence in a Latin American sub-population: a cone beam computed tomography study.

ObjectivesThe upper molars generally have three roots; therefore, different combinations of fusion can occur, increasing the possibility of finding more complex root canal systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characterization of fused roots in first and second maxillary molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Colombian population.Materials and MethodsA total of 1274 teeth were evaluated, of which 534 were maxillary first molars and 740 were maxillary second molars. Axial sections were made at the cervical, middle, and apical levels to determine the prevalence of root fusion and the types of fusion.ResultsOverall, 43% of the molars (n = 551) presented some type of fused root. Root fusion was present in 23.4% of the maxillary first molars. The most frequent type of fused root was type 3 (distobuccal-palatal; DB-P) (58.9%). Root fusion was observed in 57.6% of the maxillary second molars, and the most prevalent type of fused root was type 6 (cone-shaped) (45.2%). Of the maxillary molars, 12.5% were classified as C-shaped.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study, there was a high prevalence of fused roots in maxillary molars in the Colombian population, mainly in the maxillary second molars. In first molars, the most common type of fused root was type 3 (DB-P) and in second molars, the most common type was type 6 (cone-shaped). Additionally, molars with root fusion presented variation at different levels of the radicular portion, with implications for treatment quality.

Pulpotomy vs. pulpectomy techniques, indications and complications

Several pulp therapies were developed to maintain the health and integrity of the teeth pulps because of their necessity for physiological growth of healthy permanent teeth with a long-term preserved function. Pulp therapies aims mainly at protecting the teeth that were affected by caries, infection, or trauma. Pulpotomy and pulpectomy are the most common utilized pulp therapies, and the choice between them depends on several factors, for instance, the vitality of the existing pulp, the portion of the pulp involved (e.g. coronal versus radicular portions), the presence or absence of reversible/irreversible pulpitis, the presence or absence of a necrotic pulp, the state of surrounding bones and soft tissues, and the presence or absence of infection, abscesses, fistulae, or underlying cysts. Basically, pulpotomy is usually therapy of option in patients with vital pulps, whilst pulpectomy is preferred in cases with non-vital teeth pulps. This article will review and summarize the main differences between pulpotomy and pulpectomy particularly regarding their definition, indications, techniques, and complications.

A Comparative Evaluation of Mean Completeness in Different Impression Techniques for Post Space: An In Vitro Study

AbstractEndodontic therapy enables several advantages including maintenance of a natural tooth with restoration of its esthetics and functions. But endodontically treated teeth are often mutilated by caries fracture or previous restoration. Historically, many methods have been attempted in the search for an ideal foundation or build-up design for endodontically treated teeth. Dr. G. V. Black developed a porcelain-faced crown secured in place with a screw embedded in gold filling. Richmond crown was designed as a self-contained restoration with the post being a part of the final crown. Post can be either prefabricated or custom made. Custom-made post can be fabricated by either direct or indirect technique. In the indirect technique, impression taken should exactly replicate the parameters such as design, length, surface configuration, and diameter. The main problems while taking the impression of post space are incorporation of voids in the radicular portion and the inability to produce accurate impression in all dimensions. It mainly affects the quality of fabricated cast post. Therefore, this study is undertaken to compare the different impression techniques used for post space. It is expected that the study will reveal some useful information about the impression techniques that can be used to reproduce accurate and void-free impression of post space.

Comparison of root canal cleaning ability of protaper NEXT and WaveOne rotary file systems - A Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) study

Objectives: One of the important objectives of root canal instrumentation is the removal of vital and/or necrotic pulp tissue, as well as dentin debris ensuring a completely clean canal environment. During the past few decades, various nickel titanium rotary endodontic file systems have been developed with high efficiency and sound safety to ensure completely clean canals. The purpose of the present study was to compare the cleaning efficacy of two different rotary file systems- ProTaper NEXT and WaveOne, using a Scanning Electron Microscope. Study Design: 60 extracted single rooted teeth with single root canals were selected for the study and access cavities were prepared. The working lengths were determined using #10/15 K files and the samples were divided into two experimental groups. Group-1: Cleaning and Shaping was performed using ProTaper NEXT rotary files following manufacturer's instructions up to size X4 (apical diameter of 0.40 mm). Group-2: Cleaning and Shaping was performed using WaveOne rotary files of size 40 (apical diameter of 0.40 mm) following manufacturer's instructions. 6 samples from each group were left uninstrumented which served as control. The radicular portion of all the samples were split buccolingually following decoronation at the cementoenamel junction. The samples were examined in the coronal, middle and apical third of the root canal under the scanning electron microscope. Results: The analysis of the results demonstrated that WaveOne (Mean debris score= 1.22) presented higher cleaning capacity of root canals when compared to ProTaper NEXT (Mean debris score= 1.58) (p value <0.05) Conclusion: Both the rotary systems WaveOne and ProTaper NEXT resulted in cleaner canals after instrumentation. However, the apical thirds of the root canals demonstrated more residual debris scores when compared to the middle and coronal thirds. Also, the WaveOne files resulted in cleaner canals than ProTaper NEXT file system.

Sharonlay - a novel postendodontic restorative design for premolars and single rooted molars: A review

Root canal treated teeth are structurally compromised as a result of loss of tooth structure due to caries, iatrogenic cavity preparation, and dehydration. Given that a direct relationship exists between the amount of remaining tooth structure and the ability to resist occlusal forces, it is vital to provide a restoration allowing cuspal coverage as soon as possible following completion of the root canal treatment. A decision to provide a full crown or an onlay depends on the remaining tooth structure, if the cuspal width to length ratio is 1:2 or more, an onlay can be placed. When the ratio is <1:2, a full crown has to be planned. In single rooted teeth requiring postendodontic restoration cast post and core or a prefabricated post can provide resistance to fracture with comparable results. However in case of premolars, where only cuspal coverage is being practiced, it would require cervical reinforcement in addition, to counter the horizontal force acting at the cervical region. A new onlay design with a post extending into the radicular portion of the premolar providing the required reinforcement in a conservative manner and protecting it against both vertical and horizontal forces is proposed herewith called as SHARONLAY I.P. no 1956475.

Biodentine: A Promising Dentin substitute

Biodentine material has been recently introduced in dentistry in order to provide dentin substitute for coronal and radicular pulp. Although number of materials like Amalgam, GIC, Composite and MTA are available in market for repair of dentin loss in tooth structure, none of these possesses ideal properties. Despite of number of advantages of MTA, its limitations cannot be overlooked. These drawbacks have been overcome by a new calcium silicate based material named Biodentine which has good handling properties, short setting time and improved mechanical properties. In nut shell it is able to act as a promising dentin substitute in coronal and radicular portion of tooth.

Retromolar canals as observed on cone-beam computed tomography: their incidence, course, and characteristics

The study aims at assessing the incidence, course, and characteristics of retromolar canals. The cone-beam computed tomography images of 171 subjects were evaluated for the presence, course, and pattern of occurrence of retromolar canals. Three types of retromolar canals namely A, B, & C were detected in 129 subjects. Type A branched off the mandibular canal distal to third molar to open into retomolar fossa, type B coursed between retromolar fossa and radicular portion of third molar, type C coursed from mandibular foramen anteroinferiorly to exit into retromolar fossa. The type B retromolar canal presented features distinguishing it from other types. Considerable number of individuals presented with retromolar canals emphasizing their significance in surgeries involving the retromolar area. The type B pattern, to the best of our knowledge, hasn't been reported by most researchers and hence, could be considered as an additional type of retromolar canal.

Evaluation of resistance to displacement of metal posts with different lengths

to evaluate the resistance to displacement of metal intraradicular retainers of different lengths by means of the shear test. Thirty-six maxillary central incisors were cross-sectioned at 16 mm from the root apex, endodontically treated and randomly divided into three groups that were treated as follows: G1 (control) preparation of 2/3 (10.6 mm) of the total root length; G2: preparation of 1/2 (8 mm) of the total root length and G3: preparation of 1/3 (5.3 mm) of the total root length. After canal preparation, a matrix was made of the coronal and radicular portions using Duralay to obtain metal intraradicular retainers. These retainers were cemented with zinc phosphate cement and subjected to the compression shear test in a Universal Test Machine (EMIC DL 2000) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. The results were subjected to statistical analysis by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Newman- Keuls, which showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). The means in Newtons and their respective standard deviations were: G1 = 972.05 (±81.36); G2 = 921.15 (±112.25); G3 = 686.66 (±113.02). It could be concluded that metal retainers of 2/3 and 1/2 the length of the root portion showed higher resistance to displacement values when compared with the group that had been prepared for 1/3 of the root length.

Treatment of an intrabony osseous lesion associated with a palatoradicular groove

Various root developmental anomalies like palatoradicular groove (PRG) have been associated with worsening of periodontal condition. The aim of the present case report is to describe the regenerative surgical treatment of periodontal and osseous lesion associated with the subgingival extension of PRG. A 23-year-old female patient reported with pain in upper incisor teeth region. On clinical and radiological examination, a deep endosseous defect was found distal to maxillary right lateral incisor that was etiologically associated with the presence of a PRG. Treatment procedures consisted of: Regenerative periodontal therapy using Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and hydroxyapatite (HA) bone graft and 2) flattening of the radicular portion of the palatal groove. The clinical examination at 1 year revealed shallow residual probing depth (3 mm) and no increase in gingival recession. The radiographic examination showed reduction in the radiolucency suggesting bone fill. A PRG may serve as a pathway for the development of a periodontal osseous defect. The combination of GTR and HA may be clinically and radiographically efficacious in the treatment of such a defect.

Comparative evaluation of formocresol and mineral trioxide aggregate as pulpotomy agents in deciduous teeth

To evaluate and compare mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and formocresol as pulpotomy medicaments by clinical and radiographic assessments and to assess the histological features of both pulpotomy medicaments in deciduous teeth. This study was performed on 100 mandibular deciduous molar teeth requiring pulpotomy treatment. Children between age four and six years were randomly selected and divided into formocresol or MTA group. The patients were recalled after 3, 6, 9, 12 months respectively and evaluated clinically and radiographically. Histological assessment was done on lower deciduous canine teeth, which were undergoing serial extraction for interceptive orthodontic purpose. Pulpotomy was done on four teeth with formocresol and another four teeth with MTA. The teeth were extracted after six months following pulpotomy procedure and histologically evaluated. Two freshly extracted carious teeth were taken as controls. Clinical and radiographic criteria were laid and Chi analysis revealed significant difference in mobility ( P≤0.05), periodontal ligament widening ( P≤0.01 level) and inter - radicular radiolucency ( P≤0.02 level) between two groups at the end of 12 months. Histologically, in MTA group, a layer of new dentine formation with less dentinal tubules at the pulpotomized site was found. In formocresol group, increased inflammatory cells, a zone of atrophy, were noted in radicular portion of pulp. MTA is superior to formocresol clinically, radiographically. Histological analysis showed better reparative ability with hard tissue barrier formation with MTA compared to formocresol.

Fatigue and tensile properties of radicular dentin substrate

The purpose of this study was to compare the fatigue and tensile strengths of radicular dentin. Forty bovine lower central incisors were used, twenty teeth for the fatigue test and twenty teeth for the tensile test. Bovine teeth were each sectioned into coronal and radicular portions. Dentin slabs of 1mm thickness were prepared along the radicular tooth using a low-speed cutting machine and trimmed into dumbbell-shaped specimens. A dentin slab was harvested from each tooth. Subsequently, fatigue and tensile tests were performed in Hank's balanced saline solution at 37°C. The staircase method was employed to determine fatigue strength and its standard deviation. Fracture surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Mean fatigue strength and tensile strength were 44.3±5.0 and 84.4±8.3MPa, respectively. The fatigue strength of radicular dentin was significantly lower than the tensile strength. The fatigue strength of radicular dentin was only approximately one half of the tensile strength.

Influence of different post design and composition on stress distribution in maxillary central incisor: Finite element analysis

Post design and material has very important effects on dentinal stress distribution since the post placement can create stresses that lead to root fracture. In this study we use finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate stress distribution on endodontically treated maxillary central incisors that have been restored with different prefabricated posts. Six models were generated from the image of anatomical plate: Four metallic posts (ParaPost XH, ParaPost XT, ParaPost XP, and Flexi-Flange) and one fiberglass post (ParaPost Fiber Lux). The sixth model was a control-a sound maxillary central incisor. We used CAD software and exported the models to ANSYS 9.0. All the materials and structures were considered elastic, isotropic, homogeneous, and linear except the fiberglass post which was considered orthotropic. The values for the mechanical properties were obtained by a review of the literature and the model was meshed with 8-node tetrahedral elements. A load of 2N was applied to the lingual surface at an angle of 135 degrees. The stress results were recorded by shear stress and von Mises criteria; it was observed that there was no difference for stress distribution among the titanium posts in the radicular portions and into posts. There was higher stress concentration on the coronary portion with the titanium posts than with the glass fiber post. It seems that the metallic posts' external configuration does not influence the stress distribution. Fiber posts show more homogeneous stress distribution than metallic posts. The post material seems to be more relevant for the stress distribution in endodontically treated teeth than the posts' external configuration.

Clinical and radiographic comparison of primary molars after formocresol and electrosurgical pulpotomy: A randomized clinical trial

Vital pulpotomy is a single-stage procedure defined as the surgical amputation of the coronal portion of exposed vital pulp, usually as a means of preserving the vitality and function of the remaining radicular portion. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic success rates for electrosurgical vs formocresol pulpotomy in human primary molar teeth. This was a prospective, randomized clinical trial. In this randomized clinical trial, pulpotomies were performed on 70 primary molars in children aged 5-10 years. The teeth were treated using either a conventional formocresol (35 teeth) or electrosurgical technique (35 teeth). Following the pulpotomy procedure, the teeth were evaluated for clinical and radiographic success for three, six and nine months. The teeth were evaluated for the presence of pain, abscess, fistula, mobility, internal and external resorption, and radiolucency. The data were assessed with Fishers' Exact test. After nine months of follow-up, the clinical and radiographic success rates were 96 and 84% respectively in the electrosurgical group and 100 and 96.8% respectively in the formocresol group. There was no statistically significant difference between the success rates in the two groups ( P > 0.05). Our results showed the failure rates for electrosurgical pulpotomy to be equal to those for formocresol pulpotomy. Although electrosurgical pulpotomy is a nonpharmacological technique giving favorable results, it is still a preservative technique. Further studies using larger samples and longer evaluation periods are recommended.