Authors: Nazia Bashir , Shazia Naz , Asdaq Hussain , Rabia Dastgir

Abstract

Background and Objective:  Formocresol is a commonly used pulpotomy agent for primary teeth but concerns about its safety and efficacy have prompted the exploration of alternative treatments. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of turmeric extract and Formocresol as pulpotomy agents in primary molars, with the goal of identifying a potentially more effective and safer herbal alternative.

Methods: This experimental study comprised 54 asymptomatic carious primary molar teeth, divided into three groups according to time of extraction of teeth: one week, two weeks and six months. Each time-point group contained 18 teeth, which were further subdivided into two subgroups of 9 teeth each, based on the pulpotomy agent used: Formocresol or turmeric extract. Teeth were evaluated histologically post-extraction to assess the level of inflammation and dentine bridge formation. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test in statistical software.

Results: Teeth treated with Formocresol showed a higher degree of inflammation compared to turmeric extract over time (p-value =0.005). Additionally, dentine formation was observed in 25-50% of teeth treated with turmeric extract after six months as compared to no bridge formation in teeth treated with Formocresol.

Conclusion: Turmeric extract has potent anti- inflammatory and regenerative effects on the dentine in primary molars compared to Formocresol. Being biocompatible agent, it may be used as an alternative for pulpotomy in primary teeth.

Keywords: Formocresol, turmeric extract, pulpotomy, primary molars.