A comparison of two calcium hydroxide agents in direct pulp capping of primary teeth

Twenty-two pairs of bilateral primary canines, indicated for extraction due to excessive crowding, were chosen to study pulpal response to direct pulp capping with two calcium hydroxide medicaments (Life and Dycal). Following mechanical exposure of the pulp and direct pulp capping with calcium hydroxide, the teeth were extracted after either seven or sixty-three days to determine both the immediate and long-term pulpal response to the medicaments. The results indicate no statistical difference between the two materials in terms of biological response. Favorable results as to degree of pulpal inflammation and matrix formation indicate direct pulp capping using calcium hydroxide in primary teeth with no pulpal inflammation may be a viable procedure.