What is "formocresol"

Formocresol is a compound consisting of 48.5% formaldehyde, 48.5% cresol, 3% glycerine used in vital pulpotomy of primary teeth and as a temporary intracanal medicament during root canal therapy. Although there exists much debate surrounding potential toxicity of Formocresol, formocresol is still the gold standard for pulpotomies in pediatric dentistry. Studies have shown that other materials such as ferric sulfate and MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) have similar success rates to formocresol pulpotomies and are considered acceptable alternatives.

Buckley's solution is a diluted form of formocresol containing 20% formaldehyde which was introduced by Buckley in 1904.