The formaldehyde inspiration by the child patient, dentist, and dental assistant during formocresol pulpotomy

Abstract

Although using Buckley’s Solution of formocresol (FC) in pulpotomy procedures is becoming less common in pediatric dentistry. This study measured concentrations of formaldehyde (FA) evaporated during fixing and investigated safe procedures for FC pulpotomy. Methods: Ten measurements were taken for each of the conditions described below. Locations measured for each condition were 1) at a position equivalent to the patient, 2) at a position equivalent to the dentist, and 3) at a position equivalent to the assistant dentist. Condition 1 used no peripheral equipment. Condition 2 used an intraoral air evacuator, Condition 3 used extraoral air evacuators, Condition 4 used both extraoral and intraoral air evacuators. At the patient’s FA levels were 0.414 ppm during Condition 1, 0.158 ppm during Condition 2, 0.252 ppm during Condition 3, and 0.091 ppm during Condition 4. FA levels at the dentist were 0.115 ppm during Condition 1, 0.042 ppm during Condition 2, 0.081 ppm during Condition 3, and 0.028 ppm during Condition 4. FA levels at the dental assistant were 0.067 ppm during Condition 1, 0.038 during Condition 2, 0.059 ppm during Condition 3, and 0.025 ppm during Condition 4. Exposure concentrations of FA during FC pulpotomy might have using of an extraoral, intraoral air evacuator during FC pulpotomy reduces formaldehyde exposure to patient, dentist, and dental assistant.