The effect of sodium hypochlorite application on the success of calcium hydroxide pulpotomy in primary teeth

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) used as a hemostatic agent on the outcome of calcium hydroxide pulpotomies of primary teeth.Study designA total of 18 primary molars with advanced caries and root resorption of approximately half the root length were randomly placed into 2 groups. Conventional calcium hydroxide pulpotomies were performed on teeth in both groups; however, a cotton pellet saturated with 3% sodium hypochlorite was applied to teeth in the treatment group for 30 seconds before the pulpotomy to control hemorrhage. After the extraction of the teeth, they were examined histologically.ResultsIn the histologic evaluation it was found that none of the specimens in the control group showed necrosis and 1 specimen in the treatment group showed partial necrosis.ConclusionIt was found that the use of 3% NaOCl as a hemostatic agent had no effect on the outcome of calcium hydroxide pulpotomies with the given concentration and timing of the NaOCl treatment and the given observation period.