Evaluation of the formocresol versus mineral trioxide aggregate primary molar pulpotomy: a meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo apply meta-analysis to compare the clinical and radiographic effects of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with formocresol (FC) when used as wound dressing for pulpotomy of primary molars.Study designThe study list was obtained by searching MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and SCI. Only those papers that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed.ResultsSix studies met the inclusion criteria. There was significant difference between the success rates of FC- and MTA-treated pulpotomized primary molars (P < .05). Clinical assessments and radiographic findings of the MTA versus FC pulpotomy suggested that MTA was superior to FC in pulpotomy resulting in a lower failure rate, with the RR (Relative Risk) being 0.32 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11 to 0.90) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.74), respectively. Internal root resorption happened less in the MTA group with RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.77.ConclusionMTA induces less undesirable responses and might be FC’s suitable replacement.