Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Pulpotomized Primary Molars Restored with Stainless Steel Crown and Amalgam

Abstract

<strong>Statement of Problem:</strong> Pulpotomy is the most common pulp treatment in primary teeth. Final restorationof the pulpotomized primary molar can affect the success rate of treatment. <strong>Purpose:</strong> The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of formocresol pulpotomy in primary molars restored with stainless steel crowns as compared to those restored with amalgam. <strong>Materials and Method:</strong> In this randomized clinical trial study, 110 primary molars to be treated with pulpotomy were treated by a conventional pulpotomy technique. Then these teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups: amalgam and crown. 55 teeth were restored by stainless steel crown and 55 by amalgam. The clinical and radiographic evaluation was done at 6-12-24 months. The data were analyzed by Exact Fisher test. <strong>Results:</strong> During the 6 months of evaluation, no clinical and radiographic failure was seen. In the 12 months of follow up in the amalgam group, 1 case showed swelling and furcal radiolucency. During the 24 months of evaluation, mobility was seen in 2 teeth in the crown group, and in the amalgam group radiolucency was seen in 1 case, mobility in 1 case, and internal resorption in 1 tooth. Exact Fisher test showed that there was no significant difference in the success rate of pulpotomized molars restored by stainless steel crown and amalgam. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> If the tooth is selected correctly for pulpotomy, SSC and amalgam restoration can be used as the final restoration.