Clinical evaluation of primary teeth pulpotomy using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate

Aim:

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate clinical as well as radiographic response of primary teeth to vital pulpotomy using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate.

Material and Methods:

A group of 17 children aged 4-9 years were selected from those referred to Pedodontic Department at Shaheed Beheshti University Dental School for dental treatment. Cases with at least two matching teeth were selected (40 teeth) showing signs of pulp involvement. Pulpotomy procedure was carried out in all cases except Formocresol being put in control teeth while MTA was placed in experimental teeth. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed in 1, 6, 12 and 24 months recall. Statistical analysis using a Fischer exact test was performed on the data to test the level of significance.

Results:

Overall 22 second and 18 first primary molars were included in this trial. The gender ratio was 1/3 Male to Female. There was a slight difference in success rate of MTA in comparison to FC treated cases. However, based on the statistical analysis no significant difference was found between clinical and radiographic success rate of the two groups in 6, 12 and 24 month follow ups. Internal resorption was seen more in FC cases after 12 month than MTA cases. Overall radiographic appearance of normal structure in 24 month was seen in more than 95% of the cases in MTA treated group.

Conclusion: Based on results of this investigation the safe usage of MTA in pulp treatment of primary teeth could be considered as a replacement to Formocresol with a high success rate of similar or superior even to formocresol.