Formocresol has been used in dentistry for over 100 years, and for vital pulpotomy in primary teeth for over 80 years.
Its efficacy has been extensively studied, with clinical success rates ranging from 70% to 100%, making it the standard against which newer techniques are compared.
The formaldehyde component of formocresol is strongly bactericidal and reversibly inhibits many enzymes in the inflammatory process.
the formocresol pulpotomy technique has been recommended for many years as the principal method for treating primary teeth with carious exposures, a substantial shift away from the use of this medicament has occurred because of concerns about its toxic effects.