Comparative Evaluation of Myristica fragrans Essential Oil-Zinc Oxide Mixture with Zinc Oxide Eugenol in Root Canal Filling of Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Background: This is a preliminary investigation to assess the efficacy of Myristica fragrans (M. fragrans) as pulpectomy obturation material. Objective: To assess the clinical and radiographic efficacy of M. fragrans as pulpectomy obturating material and compare it with zinc oxide eugenol, the gold standard in the obturation of primary teeth. Materials and methods: This is a triple-blind, randomized, and controlled clinical trial performed on children aged between 4–8 years with primary molars requiring pulpotomy. A total of 50 teeth were randomly assigned into two groups—group I received M. fragrans with zinc oxide eugenol, and group II zinc oxide eugenol. Teeth were then filled with glass ionomer cement and were restored using stainless steel crowns. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done by a blinded calibrated evaluator at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up periods. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Clinical and radiographic success in both groups was 100% throughout the follow-up period. Extruded material in the M. fragrans group showed resorption during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Myristica fragrans (M. fragrans) can be suggested as a pulpectomy obturating material for primary teeth. However, further clinical studies with long-term follow-ups are needed to give more affirmative results.