Calcium hydroxide pulpotomy for primary teeth: a clinical study.

Calcium hydroxide pulpotomies were performed in 17 carious primary mandibular molars. Variables in the pulpotomy procedure were recognized and controlled in an attempt to obtain a more favorable result or end product. The effects of two methods of hemorrhage control were also evaluated. The duration of treatment for the study ranged from three to nine months. Treatment was clinically successful for all 17 teeth. The radiographic evaluations were more favorable for the experimental group than for the control group. Treatment was radiographically successful for 15 teeth, questionable for one tooth, and unsuccessful for one other tooth. The results of this study suggest that the aluminum chloride-calcium hydroxide pulpotomy may be a viable alternative to formocresol pulpotomies in the primary dentition. Although these findings encourage continued research, including a long-term follow-up, a histologic study is indicated.