Comparison of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Calcium Hydroxide as Pulpotomy Agents in Young Permanent Teeth (Apexogenesis)

Article title: Comparison of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Calcium Hydroxide as Pulpotomy
Agents in Young Permanent Teeth (Apexogenesis)

Author(s): Meligey & Avery.

Journal: Pediatric Dentistry

Year. Volume (number). Page #’s: 2006. 28:5. 399-404.

Major topic: Apexogenesis with MTA

Overview of method of research: Scientific Article

Purpose:
To compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of MTA and CaOH as pulpotomy agents in immature permanent teeth (apexogenesis).

Methods:
15 children from 6-12 years old with at least 2contralateral immature permanent teeth requiring a pulpotomy participated in this study. 4 traumatized incisors, 2 carious premolars and 24 carious first molars were used. Teeth that had affected coronal pulp with no signs or symptoms of affected radicular pulp or periapical pathosis and a restorable crown were included in this study. One tooth in the individual was treated with MTA and the other was treated with CaOH.
The control group was treated with 1-2mm CaOH paste over the pulp stump, a layer of ZOE cement and then anterior teeth were restored with composite while posterior teeth were restored with amalgam.
The experimental group was treated with MTA, then a damp cotton pellet and IRM. The IRM and pellet were removed after 1 week and a final restoration of composite in the anterior and amalgam in the posterior were placed. All treatments were provided by one operator.
The participants were re-evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months by 2 blinded evaluators. Treatment was considered successful if the tooth experienced no signs or symptoms or radiographic evidence of pathology.

Findings:
2 teeth treated with CaOH were found to have failed at 12 months due to pain and swelling while the remaining 28 teeth were still considered successful at 12 months. There was no significant difference found between the two materials.
Calcific metamorphosis was found radiographically in 2 teeth treated with CaOH and 4 teeth treated with MTA.

Key points/Summary:
MTA seems to be a successful pulpotomy agent in immature permanent teeth and a valid alternative to CaOH.

Assessment of Article:
I think this was a great article although the sample size was small.