A Comparative Evaluation between Propolis and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate as Pulpotomy Medicaments in Primary Molars.

ABSTRACT

Pulpotomy is defined as the complete removal of coronal portion of dental pulp followed by placement of a suitable dressing or medicament that will promote healing and preserve the vitality of the tooth.1 This treatment helps to maintain the primary tooth in the arch and to fulfil its function in primary and mixed dentition period.2 Since its introduction by Sweet (1932), Formocresol (FC) has been a popular pulpotomy medicament in the primary dentition for the past 80 years.3 However, it has many disadvantages like cytotoxicity, pulpal inflammation and necrosis, systemic disturbances, mutagenic and carcinogenic potential and immunologic responses.4METHODS40 carious primary molars selected from 32 children aged between 4-9 years were included in the study. The selected teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A 20 primary molars to be pulpotomised with MTA. Group B 20 primary molars were treated with 15% Propolis tincture. The children were recalled at 3, 6- and 12-months interval for clinical and radiographical evaluation.RESULTSThere was also absence of periapical radiolucency in propolis group at 3 months whereas in the MTA group periapical radiolucency was present in 1 (5.6%) tooth at 3 months. There was absence of sinus/ fistula in MTA group, while one (5.9%) tooth developed sinus/ fistula in propolis group at 6 months. There was also absence of sinus/ fistula in MTA group, while two (11.1%) teeth developed sinus/ fistula in propolis group at 12 months. At 12 months success rate was higher in MTA group (6 months- 100% and 12 months – 94.4%) as compared to Propolis (6 months- 88.2% and 12 months – 88.9%).CONCLUSIONSClinical outcome of Propolis is comparable to that of MTA at both 6 and 12 months follow up period. Hence, Propolis seems to be a promising and a reliable medicament for pulpotomy.