A comparative evaluation of four regenerative materials for pulpotomy in primary molars: An in vivo study

Abstract

Background: Preservation of pulpal vitality is of paramount importance as the vital functioning
pulp is capable of initiating a unique reparative capacity. The present study aimed to evaluate and
compare four regenerative materials for pulpotomy in primary molars.
Materials and Methods: This in vivo study included a total of 120 primary molars from 30
healthy children aged 3–9 years for regenerative pulpotomy procedure. The teeth were then
divided by the lottery method (chits with names of materials on it) into four groups so that each
child received all four of the regenerative materials; Group 1: Biodentine (BD)™, Group II: Mineral
Trioxide Aggregate Plus (MTA Plus™), Group III: Retro MTA (Retro MTA®), and Group IV: Calcium
Enriched Mixture (CEM) cement. All the primary molars (1st/2nd molars) were evaluated clinically
and radiographically at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Data were subjected to the statistical analysis using
the Chi‑square test. The level of significance was considered as P < 0.05.
Results: Clinical evaluation showed 100% success with BD™ and CEM cement; whereas 96.2%
success was seen with MTA Plus™ and Retro MTA®. On radiographic evaluation, MTA Plus™ and
CEM cement showed 96.2% success, whereas BD™ and Retro MTA® showed 92.59% success rate.
Conclusion: All four regenerative materials showed high success in the pulpotomy of primary
molars.
Key Words: Mineral trioxide aggregate, primary teeth, pulpotomy, tricalcium silicate