Pulp Therapy Outcomes in Primary Molars Using Locally Available Materials: A Clinical Trial in Resource-Constrained Settings
Keywords:
Pulp therapy, primary molars, resource-constrained settings, locally available materials, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, pediatric dentistryAbstract
The management of pulpal pathology in primary molars presents significant challenges in resource-constrained settings where access to conventional endodontic materials remains limited. This clinical trial investigated the efficacy of locally available materials for pulp therapy in primary molars, comparing their clinical and radiographic outcomes against standard treatment protocols. A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 180 children aged 4-9 years presenting with deep carious lesions in primary molars requiring pulp therapy. Participants were randomly allocated into three treatment groups: Group A received conventional formocresol pulpotomy, Group B received pulpotomy with locally prepared zinc oxide-eugenol paste, and Group C underwent pulpectomy using a modified zinc oxide-based root canal filling material. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 3, 6, and 12-month intervals. The primary outcome measures included clinical success (absence of pain, swelling, and pathologic mobility) and radiographic success (absence of internal or external resorption, furcation radiolucency, and periapical pathology). Results demonstrated that locally available materials achieved comparable success rates to conventional materials, with Group A showing 88.3% success, Group B demonstrating 85.0% success, and Group C exhibiting 83.3% success at 12-month follow-up, with no statistically significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that locally available materials can serve as viable alternatives for pulp therapy in primary molars, particularly in settings where access to commercial endodontic products is limited. The study provides evidence-based support for adapting treatment protocols to local resource availability without compromising clinical outcomes, thereby improving access to essential pediatric dental care in underserved populations.
