Radiographic Evaluation of Biodentine as a Pulpotomy Material in Primary Molars

Introduction: Dental caries is very common in children, and many times leads to inflammation of the pulp. Pulpotomy can be extensively carried out to preserve the function and longevity of these teeth. Formocresol is the traditional pulpotomy material and has been mentioned; however, concerns about its toxicity have prompted the quest for safer substitutes. Biodentine, as a bioactive calcium silicate-based substance, is currently a prospective alternative due of its beneficial biological features. This study compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of biodentine and formocresol as pulpotomy agents in primary molars during a 12-month period in Bangladeshi children. Materials and Methods: The prospective comparative study was carried out at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from July 2022 to August 2023. Forty-four children aged 4 to 8 years utilizing life-necessary cariously exposed primary molars were incorporated right into the research and placed at random for pulpotomy that consisted of formocresol (Group A) or biodentine (Group B). Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were performed at intervals of 3, 6, and 12 months, and obtained parameters included pain, swelling, formation of a dentinal bridge, and root resorption. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: At the 12-month follow-up, pulpotomy using biodentine had significantly greater clinical and radiographic success rates (95.45%) than formocresol (72.73%; p <.05). Biodentine was more effective in progressive and significant dentinal bridge formation and less post-operative pain and swelling. Pathological root resorption was less in the biodentine group but was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Biodentine can be considered as a better pulpotomy medicament than formocresol in primary molars, with better clinical and radiographic results, allowing it to be currently being adopted as a first-line medicament in pediatric dentistry. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2026; 16(1): 14-19