investigation on the relative efficacy of Nigella sativa oil compared to formocresol as pulp medicaments in non-vital primary molar pulpotomies

ABSTRACT

The task of treating pulpally involved teeth in children is encountered almost daily. Primary molars with infected pulp canals and radicular involvement are a problem in a management. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of Nigella sativa oil compared to formocresol in non-vital primary molar pulpotomies. Twenty children aged 4-7 years old with bilateral or opposing non-vital primary molars were selected for this study. Non-vital pulpotomy was performed for both molars one using nigella sativa oil as a medicament and the other using formocresol. Microbial samples were taken from the canals before placement of the medicament and one week after dressing using sterile paper points. All subjects were followed up clinically and radiographically for 6 months. The results showed that both medicaments reduced the microbial flora of the infected root canals significantly. The clinical success of the formocresol group was 84.2% compared to 78.9% in the Nigella sativa group. The radiographic follow-up revealed that nigella sativa oil and formocresol used as pulp medicaments in non-vital pulpotomies have comparable success rates. Conclusion: Nigella sativa oil can be used as an indigenous plant medicament in non-vital primary molar pulpotomies