Objective: To evaluate the effects of zinc oxide–eugenol, calcium hydroxide, and mineral trioxide aggregate as base materials on the clinical and radiographic success of ferric sulfate pulpotomies in primary molars.
Method and materials: Following hemostasis with 15.5% ferric sulfate, 105 teeth were randomly allocated to three groups: Group 1, zinc oxide–eugenol; Group 2, calcium hydroxide; and Group 3, mineral trioxide aggregate. All teeth were restored with stainless-steel crowns. Clinical and radiographic examinations were conducted at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
Results: After 24 months, clinical success rates for Groups 1 to 3 were 97.1% (34/35 teeth), 94.2% (33/35 teeth), and 97.1% (34/35 teeth), respectively (P > .05). Radiographic success rates were 65.7% (23/35 teeth), 65.7% (23/35 teeth), and 77.1% (27/35 teeth), respectively (P > .05). Internal resorption was the most observed radiographic finding (15/105 teeth).
Conclusions: The choice of zinc oxide–eugenol, calcium hydroxide, and mineral trioxide aggregate, as base materials, did not affect the clinical and radiographic success of ferric sulfate pulpotomies in primary teeth.
Keywords: calcium hydroxide, ferric sulfate, mineral trioxide aggregate, primary teeth, pulpotomy, stainless steel crown, zinc oxide–eugenol
