A Comparision of the Clinical Effect between Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Vitapex Paste in Open Apical Permanent Teeth

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effects of the treatment of open apical teeth with chronic periodontitis using mineral trioxide aggregate(MTA)and Vitapex paste.Methods:Thirty-eight cases,with open canal system,were selected and divided into two groups at random.In the experimental group,the apical root canals of 20 teeth were filled with MTA to creat a 3-5mm apical barrier under operative microscope.The canals of 18 teeth in control were treated with Vitapex.All cases were recalled for clinical and radiographic evaluation.Results:All the cases in experimental group had no clinical symptom after treatment.The recall radiographs indicated that the apical radiolucent areas of the teeth with pre-existing apical lesion decreased apparently or disappeared completely,except one tooth without change.The efficacy rates was 95%.In the control group,the apexification of 8 teeth succeeded and 10 failed.The efficacy rates was 44.4%.There was significant difference between two groups.Conclusion:MTA may be an ideal material in treatment of teeth with open apices.Long-term studies with more cases should be performed to evaluate the curative effect of MTA.