Aim: to reveal relation between clinical and radiographic evidence of failure following pulp therapy in primary teeth among patients less than six years old.
Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out on 100 mandibular primary molars treated by formocresol pulpotomy and 50 maxillary primary anterior teeth treated by pulpectomy in patients showing radiographic evidence of failure, regardless of their clinical conditions. Clinical examination was performed and clinical failures were given scores as follows; score 0: normal, score 1: history of pain, score 2: gingival swelling/sinus tract, score 3: purulent exudate and score 4: excessive mobility. Radiographic examination was accomplished to detect any signs of failure. Radiographic failures were given scores as follows; score 1: internal or external resorption, score 2: periapical radiolucency, score 3: widening of periodontal membrane space and score 4: furcation infection.
Results: Significant difference was noted (P=0.001) when type of teeth and radiographic scores were compared. Relation between clinical scores and type of teeth was statistically insignificant (P=0.295). Significant difference was noted (P =0.001) when type of treatment and radiographic scores were compared. No significant difference was revealed comparing type of treatment and clinical scores (P=0.900). Statistical analysis revealed no statistical significant difference relating radiographic and clinical scores (P= 0.410).
Conclusion: Evidence of radiographic failure was revealed in clinically successful treated primary teeth. Thereby, radiographic examination is not elective in determining success/failure of treatment.