After removal of coronal pulp,formocresol solution is applied to the radicular pulp for 4 or 5 inutes,after which an antiseptic dressing containing formocresol is placed over the radicular pulp stumps before restoring the tooth.

    Formocresol solution releases formaldehyde,which diffuses through the pulp and,by combining with cellular protein,fixes the tissues.Histological and histochemical studies have shown that the pulp closest to the pulp chamber becomes well fixed;more apically,fixation may not be complete,and the most apical tissue may remain vital.The fixed pulp tissue may later become replaced by vital granulation tissue.It is not known whether the strongly antiseptic properties of cresol play an essential part in the success of the method.The effectiveness of the method,judged by clinical criteria,is high,judged by histological criteria,however,the technique cannot be considered ideal because it does not promote pulp healing.