[Using mineral trioxide aggregate as a direct pulp-capping material in dogs].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the dental pulp responses in dogs after MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) and a calcium hydroxide (Dycal) were applied as pulp-capping materials. METHODS: Twelve cuspids in three healthy adult beagle dogs were divided into two groups randomly. MTA or Dycal was used to repair the exposed site which was created with a fissure bur in a high-speed handpiece with copious water spray at the labial cervical access. Then the cavity was filled with glass ionomer cement (GIC). Four months later, the specimens were processed for histologic examination to observe the pulpal inflammation and dentin bridge formation. RESULTS: Five of six samples capped with MTA were free of pulpal inflammation, and all of samples in this group had dentin bridge formation. In contrast, all of samples capped with Dycal showed pulpal inflammation, and dentin bridge formation occurred in only 2 samples. CONCLUSION: MTA is a biocompatible material which can promote dentin bridge formation. It can be used as a direct pulp-capping material during vital pulp therapy.