Comparative Evaluation of the Success Rate of Pulpotomy in Primary Molars Using Ferric Sulphate (FS) and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA): A Clinical and Radiographic Study

Purpose: The aim of this present study was to observe clinical, radiographic response of pulp to Ferric Sulphate and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate when used as pulpotomy agent in primary molars. Materials and Methods: Sixty restorable primary molars were selected for the study. The children were chosen who require minimum two pulpotomies in either arch preferably each on the opposite side (i.e. right and left). Primary molars on the right side of the patient were assigned to Ferric Sulphate (FS) (Group A) and left side was assigned for the Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) (Group B). Statistical analysis was done for pain, swelling, sinus, and fistula and for internal resorption, furcation radiolucency and periapical pathology using the chi-square test. Results: outcome of the present study was observed at 3 month interval and after 6 months. The clinical success rate for MTA (AQUA) and ferric sulphate during 3 and 6 month follow up was 100%. The radiographic follow up of MTA was 100% during 3 and 6 month, whereas it was 96.6% for 3 and 6 month follow up with respect to ferric sulphate. There were no significant differences in the clinical (p>0.1) and radiographic (p>0.98) success rates among both the groups. Conclusion: ferric sulphate was found to be equally effective when compared with MTA. Radiographic success rate was lower for Ferric sulphate (Group A) than that of MTA (Group B) with occurrence of one internal resorption seen with first primary molar.

Children’s self-reported discomfort of restorative treatments for deep caries lesions in primary teeth: Results from a randomized clinical trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different restorative techniques to treat deep caries lesions of primary molars on children’s self-reported discomfort. A randomized clinical trial with two parallel arms (1:1) was conducted in São Paulo, Brazil. 4-8 years-old children with at least one occlusal or occlusoproximal deep caries lesion in primary molars were selected. Molars were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) restoration performed with calcium hydroxide cement followed by high-viscosity Glass Ionomer Cement (CHC+HVGIC), and (2) HVGIC restoration. Immediately after the intervention, children reported the experienced discomfort during restoration to an external examiner using a Wong-Baker face-scale. Children’s self-reported discomfort was analyzed using Poisson regression comparing both groups and assessing other variables’ influence (α=5%). One hundred and eight children fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were randomized in the two groups (n=54). Most of the children who received CHC+HVGIC restorations reported none or minimal discomfort (83.3%). Similar scores (92.6%) were reported for those treated with HVGIC (p=0.758). The mean reported discomfort in children with CHC+HVGIC restorations was 0.37(1.01), and 0.41(1.01) for those with HVGIC restorations. Children’s self-reported discomfort was associated with age, sex, children’s cooperation, and intervention duration. We can conclude that CHC+HVGIC or HVGIC restorations result in none or minimal discomfort in the management of deep caries lesions, being considered a reliable option.