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

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.