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Direct pulp capping versus partial pulpotomy using RetroMTA® in deeply carious primary molars with normal pulp or
Chanakarn Intawong1, Chanika Manmontri1, Papimon Chompu-Inwai1
1Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
BMC Oral Health
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Direct pulp capping (DPC) and partial pulpotomy (PP) using RetroMTA® showed similar favorable short-term survival rates in primary molars. Further research is needed to confirm long-term efficacy for these vital pulp therapies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Endodontics
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Coronal pulpotomy (CP) is standard for vital pulp exposure in primary molars, but concerns exist regarding pulp removal and morbidity.
- Conservative vital pulp therapies like direct pulp capping (DPC) and partial pulpotomy (PP) using calcium silicate cements (CSCs) are gaining attention.
- Limited comparative clinical data exists for DPC versus PP in primary molars.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cumulative survival probabilities of DPC and PP using RetroMTA®.
- To evaluate these treatments in deeply carious primary molars with normal pulp or reversible pulpitis.
Main Methods:
- A university-based, assessor-blinded, parallel-group superiority randomized controlled trial.
- 88 primary molars in children aged 3-9 years were randomized (1:1) to DPC or PP.
- Treatments were performed by postgraduate students, restored with stainless steel crowns (SSC), and followed for up to 24 months.
Main Results:
- 78 molars were analyzed (40 DPC; 38 PP).
- Cumulative survival probabilities were 93.8% for DPC and 100% for PP.
- No statistically significant difference in survival was found (p=0.153) over a mean follow-up of 13.3 months.
Conclusions:
- Partial pulpotomy (PP) was not superior to direct pulp capping (DPC) with RetroMTA®.
- Both vital pulp therapies demonstrated favorable short-term survival.
- Further adequately powered studies with longer follow-up are needed to recommend routine clinical use.
