A Retrospective Clinical Study to Evaluate Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) As A Direct Pulp Capping Agent In A One-Visit Protocol

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the long-term success that can be achieved by the use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as a pulp capping agent, demonstrate the simplicity of the procedure, and overcome the commonly held objections of cost, difficult handling characteristics, and the need for two appointments to complete the procedure.;A single visit protocol was utilized in the completion of forty-eight pulp cap procedures with twenty-seven procedures available for recall. The MTA pulp cap was covered with glass ionomer liner and then restored with a bonded composite or amalgam. Teeth were evaluated for sensitivity to percussion, cold testing, and periapical radiograph at follow-up appointments. A success rate of over eighty-five percent was achieved in this study. MTA has been demonstrated to be the material of choice and gold-standard for pulp capping procedures. MTA is biocompatible, less cytotoxic than calcium hydroxide, provides a bioactive benefit and a bacteriostatic seal. The specific details of the histological pulpal response to MTA and other pulp capping agents, requires additional investigation.