The Use of Calcium Hydroxide-Iodoform Paste in Pulpectomies

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a syringable medicament of calcium hydroxide and iodoform as an obturation material for Pulpectomies in primary molars. Methods: Forty-two primary molar teeth that were to receive Pulpectomy therapy in the Dental hospital at the University of Pretoria following a diagnosis of inflamed or necrotic pulp were included in the study. Informed consent was gained. Factors were used to include or exclude candidates inclusive of there being no signs of internal resorption of the teeth to be treated. Tooth should not exfoliate in the next 18 months. Only patients with ASA I health scores were included. Only the first and second primary molars were included. At 18 months post-operatively patients were recalled and the Pulpectomy was evaluated for success or failure in terms of both clinical and radiological criteria. Results: There were 31 recalls possible of the 42 original cases. Medication past apex with successful resorption occurred in 3 cases. There was clinical success in 29 of 31 cases (93.5 %).Radiographic success was 12 of 31 cases (39 %). Conclusion: Calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste seems to be a viable clinical obturation material for inflamed or necrotic primary molars undergoing pulpectomy therapy.