Clinical Outcome of Ferric Sulfate Versus Formocresol Pulpotomy in Vital Pulp Therapy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i1.1739Keywords:
Vital pulpotomy, primary molars, formocresol, ferric sulfate, pediatric dentistry, restoration materials, glass ionomer cement, clinical outcomesAbstract
Background: Vital pulpotomy in primary molars is essential for preserving dental health and function in pediatric patients. Formocresol (FC) has long been considered the gold standard, while ferric sulfate (FS) is an emerging alternative due to its bacteriostatic and hemostatic properties.
Objective: To assess and compare the clinical effectiveness of formocresol and ferric sulfate as pulpotomy agents in primary molars.
Methods: A comparative observational study was conducted at Bolan Medical College/Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta. A total of 179 pediatric patients (aged 23 months to 10.1 years, mean 74.09 ± 20.75 months) underwent pulpotomy on 300 primary molars using FC (single-visit: 109 teeth, two-visit: 117 teeth) and FS (50 teeth). Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 6–12, 13–24, and 25–36 months post-treatment through standardized clinical and radiological assessments. Success rates, complications, and correlations with restoration materials were analyzed using SPSS 25. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The two-visit FC protocol achieved the highest success rate (90.6%), followed by FS (84.0%) and single-visit FC (77.1%). GIC restorations showed fewer complications (2.7% at 6–12 months) compared to composites (11.6%, p = 0.028). Odds ratio for complications was significantly lower with GIC (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.09–4.88).
Conclusion: Both formocresol and ferric sulfate were effective pulpotomy agents, with two-visit FC protocols achieving superior outcomes. Glass ionomer cement demonstrated the lowest complication rates and should be prioritized in restorative treatments.
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