Clinical long-term evaluation of MTA as a direct pulp capping material in primary teeth

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) when used as a pulp capping material in primary teeth.

Methodology: Clinical follow-up was performed on 25 symmetrical pairs of primary molars with deep occlusal caries, in 25 patients between the ages of 5 and 8 years. Pulps exposed during cavity preparation were treated by direct pulp capping with MTA or calcium hydroxide, based with resin-bonded zinc oxide eugenol cement and restored with amalgam. Clinical and radiographic examinations were carried out at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months.

Results: Twenty-four-month clinical and radiographic follow-ups were carried out on 22 patients. One patient failed to return for evaluation after 1 month, one after 9 months and another after 12 months. During follow-up, none of the MTA and calcium hydroxide groups exhibited clinical or radiographic failure.

Conclusions: Mineral trioxide aggregate was found to be as successful as calcium hydroxide when used for direct pulp capping in primary teeth. Further histological investigations are needed to support these findings.