Mineral trioxide aggregate vs. formocresol in pulpotomized primary molars: a preliminary report

Resident: Roberts

Date: 10/6/10

Article title: Mineral trioxide aggregate vs. formocresol in pulpotomized primary molars: a preliminary report

Author: Eidelman, Eliezer

Journal: Pediatric Dentistry

Volume: 23:1

Year: 2001

Discussion:

MTA is biocompatible material and its sealing ability has been shown to be better than amalgam or Zinc Oxide Eugenol. It is a powder that sets in the presence of moisture with a pH of 12.5. The setting time of the cement is four hours and its compressive strength is similar to IRM. MTA has recently been studied and found to to have superior qualities to calcium hydroxide in the treatment of IPC therapies as well as other Endodontic procedures.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the use of mineral trioxide aggregate to that of formocresol as pulp dressing agents in pulpotomized primary molars with carious pulp exposures.

Method: Forty five primary molars in 26 children were treated by a conventional pulpotomy technique. Following removal of the coronal pulp and hemostasis the pulp stumps were covered with an MTA paste in the experimental group. In the FC group, FC was placed over the stumps for 5 minutes and then removed; the teeth were then covered by Zinc Oxide Eugenol paste. The teeth of both groups were restored with SSC.

Results: Only eighteen children and 32 of the original pulpotomized teeth returned for follow up (mean follow up time was 13 months). Only one tooth, treated with FC showed any signs of pathology -internal resorption. Pulp canal obliteration was observed in 2 of the teeth treated with FC and 7 of the teeth treated with MTA. This however was not considered a sign of failure.

Conclusions: MTA has the potential to be a successful medicament in the treatment of carious exposed primary molars.

Assessment: This study would be great on a larger scale with a longer follow up time with the treated teeth.