Electrosurgical pulpotomy in primates--a comparison with formocresol pulpotomy.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to contrast histologically the pulp response to formocresol with the response to electrosurgical pulpotomy in a primate model. Both the primary and permanent incisors and molars were treated. Coronal pulp amputation was accomplished mechanically. The remaining pulp stumps were treated by either formocresol or momentary electrosurgery exposure. Results were evaluated at one hour, one week, and two months postoperatively. Results with the conventional formocresol treatment were consistent with other studies showing favorable pulp response. The electrosurgical approach produced no furcation or periapical involvement and exhibited no evidence of necrosis in the apical two-thirds of the root. Histologically, in this study electrosurgery pulpotomy had as favorable a tissue response as the conventional formocresol treatment for the time studied.