ZOE versus Metapex with rotary or manual filing in children's primary molars

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) and Iodoform-Calcium Hydroxide (Metapex) as Filling Materials in Primary Molar Root Canals Prepared by Rotary and Manual Files: (Randomized Control Trial Study)

Not applicable Interventional October University for Modern Sciences and Arts · NCT07395401

This test will compare Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) and Metapex, each used with rotary or manual filing, to see which helps infected baby molars heal better in children aged 5–8.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 8 Years
SexAll
SponsorOctober University for Modern Sciences and Arts Academic / other
Locations1 site (Giza, Giza Governorate)
Trial IDNCT07395401 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial enrolls 44 restorable primary molars from cooperative children aged 5–8 that require pulpectomy and randomizes teeth into four groups combining two instrumentation methods (rotary or manual) with two filling materials (ZOE or Metapex). Clinical outcomes (pain, mobility, and sensitivity) will be measured with standardized scales, and radiographic healing, root resorption, and bone density will be evaluated by CBCT at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The trial compares how well each obturation material and preparation technique promotes healing, adapts to the canal, and resorbs compatibly with normal tooth exfoliation. Results aim to inform which material and method yield the best short- to mid-term outcomes for primary molar pulpectomy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Cooperative, otherwise healthy children aged 5–8 with restorable primary molars indicated for pulpectomy and without significant external root resorption are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Uncooperative children, those with systemic medical illnesses, or teeth with more than two-thirds root resorption are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help dentists choose the filling material and filing method that better preserves infected primary molars and reduces premature tooth loss.

How similar studies have performed: ZOE has long been a standard and Metapex plus rotary NiTi preparation have shown promising results in prior work, but direct comparisons have produced mixed, context-dependent findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Apparently healthy cooperative children indicated for partial pulpectomy.
2. Restorable primary molars.
3. No mobility, or external pathological root resorption.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Uncooperative children.
2. Children with systemic medical illness.
3. More than 2/3 of root resorbed.

Where this trial is running

Giza, Giza Governorate

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Carious Primary Molars Indicated for PulpectomyIodoform-Calcium HydroxideMetapexZinc Oxide EugenolManual Instrumentation MethodRotary Instrumentation Methodpulpectomyprimary molars
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.