Success of Biodentine and Ferric Sulfate as Pulpotomy Materials in Primary Molars: A Retrospective Study

Objective: To determine the clinical and radiographic success of Biodentine (R) (BD) and Ferric Sulfate (FS) as primary molar pulpotomy materials and to compare their outcomes. Study design: Retrospective data was obtained from the electronic health records (EHR) of a university-based pediatric dental clinic. Participants were enrolled according to specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two trained and calibrated examiners evaluated the EHR using validated criteria for clinical and radiographic outcomes. Study data was numerically coded and analyzed. Cohen's Kappa and Chi-square tests were used (p<0.05). Results: Eighty-three participants (62.7% females, age range two to eight years, average age of 4.5 years) with 102 pulpotomies were enrolled. FS was used in 78% (n=79) and BD in 22% (n=23) of the cases. Follow-up periods ranged from six to 36 months (mean of 17 months). BD showed 100% clinical and radiographic success, while FS demonstrated 84% clinical and 70% radiographic success. The two groups were compared at one year with no statistically significant differences. At 18 months, BD outperformed FS clinically (p=.012) and radiographically (p=.001). Intra-rater and inter-rater agreement were kappa>0.88. Conclusions: Both materials can be recommended for clinical practice, however BD may be the preferred choice for its better outcomes at 18 months.