A prospective clinical study of mineral trioxide aggregate for partial pulpotomy in cariously exposed permanent teeth.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of using gray mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) for partial pulpotomy in cariously exposed young permanent first molars. Thirty-one first permanent molars of 23 patients with a carious exposure were treated using a partial pulpotomy technique. The age of the patients ranged from 7.2 to 13.1 yr with an average of 10 yr. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a pulpal response within normal limits and normal appearance of the periradicular area respectively. A diagnosis of reversible pulpitis and normal periapex was established. After isolation, caries removal and carious exposure, the exposed pulp tissue was removed with a diamond bur to a depth of 2 to 4 mm. After hemostasis, 2 to 4 mm of gray MTA paste was placed against the fresh wound. The floor of the cavity was covered with a base of glass ionomer. The teeth were restored with amalgam or stainless steel crowns. Teeth were reviewed radiographically and clinically at 3, 6, 12, and 24 month intervals. Twenty-two of the treated teeth did not show any clinical or radiographic signs of failure during the follow-up evaluation period. Six teeth did not respond to vitality testing at the final follow-up period; however, no radiographic signs of failure or clinical symptoms were detected. Gray MTA was a suitable dressing agent for parital pulpotomy in cariously exposed young permanent first molars.