Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium hydroxide as direct pulp capping agents in human teeth

Objective:To compare the affect of mineral trioxide aggregate(MTA)with calcium hydroxide when used as direct pulp capping in human teeth.Method:One hundred and eighty teeth in patients between 9 and 30 years of age were randomly divided into two groups.The exposed pulps were capped with MTA or calcium hydroxide randomly,covered with glass-ion and restored with amalgam.Clinical symptoms,pulp vitality,the formation of dentinal bridge,and the closing of the rupture of teeth marrow were evalated.Results Clinical evaluation demonstrated increased pulp vitality and thicker dentinal bridges in both groups(P0.05).In the third year,the survival rate of the pulp in MTA group was 98% for 9-20 age group,and 88% for 21～30 age group.MTA had a better effect on younger age group.Conclusion:Using MTA as direct pulp agent in human teeth was appropriate,effective and acceptable.It is a treatment with great potential and the best restoration method for pulp-vitality.