Outcomes of calcium hydroxide with iodoform pulpectomies in primary teeth

Purpose: To assess retrospectively the success rate of calcium hydroxide with iodoform as a filling material in pulpectomies of primary molars with irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis, and to evaluate factors that affect outcomes. Methods: This study consisted of records of 73 patients with primary molars treated with pulpectomy with high quality radiographs. Treatment was considered successful clinically if the tooth was not extracted and radiographs showed a decrease or no change in preexisting pathologic radiolucent defects. Results: Follow-up ranged from three to 39 months (median: 21.5 months). The success rate of teeth restored with a stainless steel crown (SSC) on the same appointment (88.9 percent) was higher than for teeth that received a temporary restoration (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the success rate and the extent of resorption of root canal filling material. Primary second molars had a higher success rate than first molars (P=0.018). No difference was found between the level of pulpectomy filling and treatment success (P=0.17). Conclusion: Pulpectomies done with calcium hydroxide and iodoform had an overall success rate of 74 percent. If restored with an SSC, the success rate increased to 88.9 percent. Resorption of the paste did not affect the success rate.