Clinical and histological evaluation of white ProRoot MTA in direct pulp capping

To evaluate the clinical, radiographical and histological findings in human third molars in which mechanical pulp exposures were capped with white ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA).

Forty-eight human third molars, caries-free or with incipient caries, scheduled to be extracted, were used and randomly divided into two groups: Group A: (n= 24) received WMTA and control Group B: (n= 24) received chemical set calcium hydroxide (Dycal). The teeth were isolated with rubber dam and Class I cavities prepared. Pulp exposure was performed using a sterile diamond bur and confirmed by frank bleeding. A sterile cotton pellet dipped in saline solution was placed over the exposure for 60 seconds. The preparation was then lightly rinsed with water and gently air-dried. WMTA or CH was placed over the exposure site followed by a small amount of a light-cured compomer. After etching with 35% phosphoric acid gel for 15 seconds, rinsing and blot drying, Prime and Bond NT adhesive was applied and light-cured. The cavity was then restored with a resin composite and light-cured. Evaluations were performed by phone after 7 days and clinically at 30 +/- 5 and 136 +/- 24 days, using standardized tests and radiographs. The teeth were extracted after 136 +/- 24 days; the roots were cut +/- 4-5 mm from the apex to allow for rapid fixation in 10% neutral buffered formalin. They were then processed for routine histological evaluation, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Brown and Brenn for recognition of bacteria. Statistical analyses were performed using a Mann-Whitney U-test, a Chi-square test, a Fisher's exact test and an ANOVA.

No significant differences in post-operative sensitivity were reported after 7 days between the two materials (P> 0.05). Clinical examination demonstrated no significant differences at 30 +/- 5 days (P> 0.05) and at 136 +/- 24 days (P> 0.05). Histological findings: 45 of 48 teeth were suitable for microscopic evaluation (22 with WMTA and 23 with CH). Twenty from the WMTA and 18 from the CH group had developed a bridge. No statistically significant differences were found for superficial and deep inflammatory cell response (P> 0.05), presence of a dentin bridge (P> 0.01), and pulp vitality (P> 0.01), between WMTA and calcium hydroxide. A statistically significant difference was found for the diameter of exposure (P< or = 0.05) between WMTA (x= 0.35 +/- 0.19 mm) and CH (x= 0.25 +/- 0.09 mm). Only a minimal association between clinical and histological findings could be established for either material.