The clinical success of different root canal treatments in primary molars

Objectives: To examine the success rate of root canal treatment in primary molars with the use two different root canal instrumentation ways, irrigation solutions and root canal sealers. Materials and Methods: Root canal treatment was applied to 120 second primary molars of 69 children between 5-8 years old. The teeth were divided in 8 groups randomly according to instrumentation ways [conventional stainless-steel hand files / Nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary files], irrigation solutions [0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 0.9% saline solution combination / 0.4% chlorhehexidine (CHX)] and root canal sealers [Zinc oxide eugenol cement (ZOE) and Apexit Plus (AP)]. All teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns. The teeth were followed 12 months both clinically and radiographically. All data was analyzed statistically by χ2 and Wilcoxon test. Results: Statistical significance were found according to “age” and “root canal sealers” factors on success rate of root canal treatment (p<0.05). No statistical significance were found according to gender, jaw, tooth type, root canal instrumentation ways and irrigation solutions on success rate of root canal treatment (p>0.05). The clinically and radiographically success rate of ZOE and AP were 98.3% and 68.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Root canal treatment is a successful treatment in primary molars. Ni-Ti rotary files and CHX can be a good alternative for root canal treatment in primary molars. The most effective factor to obtain clinical success of root canal treatment is properties of using root canal sealer.