An in vitro experimental study of direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate

Objective To compare the dental pulp responses of mineral trioxide aggregate(MTA) with calcium hydroxide when used as pulp-capping materials in dog teeth.Methods Seventy-two teeth from three healthy adult beagle dogs were subjected to mechanical pulp exposure.The exposed pulps were capped with MTA or calcium hydroxide.All the cavities were filled with glass ionomer cement(GIC).After periods of 5 months,7 months and 9 months,the specimens were processed.The quantitative information about the numbers of odontoblast cells,pulp cells,and capillaries was collected.The width of reparative dentin was measured using computer-based image analysis system.Results After 5 months,the dental pulp responses to MTA and calcium hydroxide were similar.After 7 months and 9 months,wider reparative dentin,more odontoblast cells,and pulp cells in MTA group were seen compared to the calcium hydroxide group.Conclusion MTA is a promising material for vital pulp therapy.