EFFICACY OF MYRISTICA FRAGRANS AS A PULPOTOMY AGENT IN PRIMARY TEETH: CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES

Abstract Aim: The present study was conducted to compare the effects of Myristica fragrans as pulp-dressing agents clinically and radiographically in primary molar teeth. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy children aged from four to eight years, they were selected from patients attending outpatient clinic of Pediatric Dentistry department. Each child had at least bilateral deep carious lower primary molar indicated for pulpotomy. Pulpotomy was done in both groups; where group I treated by Myristica fragrans as a dressing agent while formocresol used as a dressing agent in group II. The study cases were recalled after three, six, nine and twelve months for clinical and radiographic evaluation. Results: The overall clinical success rate of Myristica fragrans group was 96.6 %, while formocresol group was 93.3%. The two groups were clinically successful with no statistically significant difference between them. The radiographic success rate of Myristica fragrans group was 93.2%, while for formocresol group was 89.6%. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: The Myristica fragrans showed higher clinical and radiographic success rate compared to formocresol as a pulpotomy agent in primary molars teeth. It can be considered as a satisfactory biomaterial for vital pulp therapy of deep caries in primary teeth.