Formocresol in Modern Dentistry

Categories: Endodontics;
Formocresol in Modern Dentistry

The discussion revolves around the decline, controversy, and continued niche use of formocresol in dentistry. Many contributors note that formocresol has been discontinued or is unavailable in Canada, leading to questions about substitutes, e.g., eugenol, IRM, ferric sulfate, calcium hydroxide, MTA, and Vitapex. Some clinicians still use it in specific scenarios, mostly in emergency pulpotomies or open-and-drain cases, especially in rural areas or time-constrained situations, citing long-term success and predictable pain relief, particularly in necrotic or irreversible pulpitis cases.

Others, especially younger dentists or those in hospital/academic settings, emphasize that formocresol contains formaldehyde, a known Group 1 carcinogen, and argue it’s toxic, outdated, and discouraged by national dental authorities. Pediatric dentists largely avoid it in favor of biocompatible alternatives. There’s also concern over interference with bonding when formocresol or IRM is used before buildups.

Some dentists still acquire it through eBay from the U.S. or Israel, though legal, ethical, and customs concerns are raised about importing a potentially banned substance. A few posters dismiss the cancer risks as exaggerated or theoretical, while others stress evidence-based caution.

Formocresol is no longer considered the standard of care, especially in pediatric dentistry, but some general practitioners still use it in select adult emergency endo cases for its perceived efficacy and convenience. Similarly, I still hear the occasional defense of Sargenti paste in tough endo cases. But the trend is unmistakable: just as formocresol is being phased out in favor of safer, modern materials, Sargenti paste (N2), a paraformaldehyde-based root canal filling material, has been widely discredited and is not approved by leading dental authorities, including the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and the FDA.


Join the Conversation!


Sponsors
Townie Perks
Townie® Poll
Who or what do you turn to for most financial advice regarding your practice?
  
Sally Gross, Member Services Specialist
Phone: +1-480-445-9710
Email: sally@farranmedia.com
©2025 Dentaltown, a division of Farran Media • All Rights Reserved
9633 S. 48th Street Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 • Phone:+1-480-598-0001 • Fax:+1-480-598-3450