formocresol

Formocresol is a dental medicament traditionally used as a devitalizing and fixative agent in pulpotomy procedures for primary teeth. It typically consists of a mixture of formaldehyde (the active fixative) and cresol (an antiseptic). The formaldehyde component works by cross-linking proteins and inactivating enzymes within the pulp tissue, effectively fixing the tissue and preventing further degradation or infection. Cresol serves to reduce the caustic nature of formaldehyde and provides additional antimicrobial properties. Despite its long history of use in pediatric dentistry, its safety has been questioned due to the potential systemic distribution and mutagenic properties of formaldehyde, leading to the investigation of alternative materials like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or laser therapy.

Brand names

Buckley's Formocresol

Other names

tricresol-formaldehydeformaldehyde + cresol