Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing the Success of Two Pulpotomy Agents for Primary Molars

Purpose: To compare the clinical and radiographic success of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Ferric Sulfate (FS, used as control) as pulpotomy agents for primary molars over a period of 12 months. Methods: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial, in which NeoMTA was evaluated against FS, over a 12-month period. Fifty participants were enrolled, according to specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fifteen operators (pediatric dental residents) performed the primary molar pulpotomy procedures strictly following the manufacturer’s clinical guide for each material. Two trained and calibrated examiners, performed the assessment of the pulpotomized teeth, according to standardized criteria. Six monthly, the clinical outcomes were evaluated and radiographs were taken at 12 months. The data was coded and captured on evaluation forms, specifically designed for the purposes of the study. Results: Fifty participants were recruited, twenty-five in each group. At six months evaluation, one FS pulpotomy had failed compared to none in the MTA group. At 12 months one additional FS pulpotomy failed clinical and five had radiographic failures. All pulpotomies in the MTA group were clinically and radiographically successful. Conclusion: At 12 months, MTA showed superior clinical and radiographic success as a pulpotomy agent in primary molars compared to FS.