Is formocresol still used in pulpotomy?
Despite the hundreds of articles that have supported the mutagenicity (genotoxicity), carcinogenicity and toxicity of formalde- hyde, formocresol is still used today in full strength by an alarming number of clinicians around the world. 14 Formocresol is widely accepted for vital pulpotomy.
Why is formocresol used in pulpotomy?
Formocresol and ferric sulfate have been used as protective medicaments for partial or complete pulpotomy procedures, among other techniques, including electrosurgery and laser cautery. Ferric sulfate and formocresol staunch the bleeding pulp, but neither material is bioactive.
What does formocresol do to the pulp?
Despite possible safety concerns, formocresol is an effective treatment. Formocresol has two major actions within the pulp. It kills bacteria, making it bactericidal, but it also fixes the pulp material, making it inert.
How is formocresol used in root canal treatment?
Rinse and dry the canal spaces. Moisten a small cotton pellet with formocresol. Blot or wring any excess liquid from the pellet. Place the cotton pellet in the pulp chamber and seal the access hole with a temporary filling material.
When is formocresol used?
Formocresol is a mixture consisting of formalin, cresol and glycerine used in dentistry. It is used for vital pulpotomy of primary teeth and as a temporary intracanal medicament during root canal therapy. Buckley’s solution is a 20% form of formocresol, diluted with glycerine and distilled water.
Why is formocresol used in dentistry?
Formocresol was first used as a root canal medication by Buckley in 1904. It is widely used in dentistry because of its antibacterial properties in root canal disinfection. [12] It contains formaldehyde, an effective alkylating agent, and cresol, a protein-coagulating phenolic compound.
What can be used instead of formocresol?
Formocresol has a long history of clinical success, but concern exists regarding its safety as a medicament for primary molar pulp therapy. Alternatives have been proposed: calcium hydroxide, with relatively poor outcome and glutaraldehyde, which has shown better success rates than the former.