Use of Formocresol by the Paediatric Dentists across Chennai - A Questionnaire Study

ABSTRACT

Formocresol is used as medicament for non-vital teeth and primary teeth. In the composition of formocresol, formaldehyde is a primary component which is the hazardous substance. Studies have proved that the use of low dose of formaldehyde in the composition of formocresol would not be carcinogenic. There is a controversy about formocresol in paediatric dentistry for more than 20 years. We wanted to assess the application of formocresol for deciduous teeth and permanent teeth pulpotomy and understand the awareness towards the diluted form of formocresol and its adverse effect among Chennai paediatric dentists. METHODSA questionnaire was given to 50 paedodontists from Chennai city. The questions were based on the usage of original strength or diluted form of Formocresol by the practitioners, the brand and formula that was applied and in case they use diluted form of formocresol, by what method they diluted it and formulation was achieved and the knowledge about the adverse effects. Data was analysed statistically to achieve the results. RESULTSMost of the dentist were aware of the fact that the formocresol has carcinogenic effect. Higher number of dental practitioner were using diluted form of formocresol. Many dentist weres using commercially available formocresol. 64 % of the dentists were using formocresol as intracanal medicament. 24 % of the dentists were using full concentration of formocresol and 54% were using dilute form of formocresol. CONCLUSIONSThis survey concluded that formocresol is a widely used medicament and it is used as commercially available diluted form by most of the practitioners.