Zinc oxide-ozonated olive oil as a new root canal filling material in primary molars: a clinical randomized controlled trial

Objectives The complex root canal anatomy of primary teeth keeps it very tricky to attain appropriate cleansing by biomechanical instrumentation, so obtaining an obturating material with excellent antimicrobial properties is a challenge in current clinical pulpectomy practice. So, this study aimed to assess the clinical and radiographic performance of zinc oxide-ozonated olive oil as a primary root canal filling material. Materials and methods Ninety non-vital primary molars in children ranging from 4 to 8 years were allocated into three groups in which root canals were filled with zinc oxide-ozonated olive oil, zinc oxide-olive oil, and zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) according to each group after pulpectomy procedure. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were done at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods. Statistical analysis was performed for the collected data. Results All study groups showed a significant improvement regarding clinical signs and symptoms during follow-up periods. Ozonated-olive oil group revealed a significant increase in furcation radiodensity and a decrease in periodontal ligament space at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up intervals compared to other groups. Conclusion Zinc oxide-ozonated olive oil and zinc oxide-olive oil paste had shown good clinical and radiographic success for primary teeth pulpectomy. Clinical relevance The intricate torturous primary root canal anatomy, in addition to the child’s negative behavior, interferes with the complete debridement, so the long-lasting antibacterial effect of the primary root canal filling material aids in the pulpectomy success.