Clinical assessment of mineral trioxide aggregate in the treatment of deep carious lesions.

OBJECTIVE: This clinical study aimed to assess the effectiveness of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) in the treatment of deep carious lesions using the direct complete caries excavation technique. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Hundred permanent molars/premolars were capped either with Ca (OH)2 (n = 49) or MTA (n = 51) and restored with composite resin in 73 patients. Periapical radiographs were taken prior to the treatment, at 6 months and 12 months. Two calibrated examiners clinically and radiographically assessed the periapical pathology and pulpal symptoms. Inter-group comparisons of the observed values were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Significance was predetermined at alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: Recall rates were 100% at 6 and 12 months. Four teeth capped with Ca(OH)2 (two each at the end of 6 and 12 months) and one tooth capped with MTA (at the end of 12 months) received endodontic emergency treatment because of symptoms of irreversible pulpitis that were clinically and/or radiographically established. There was no significant difference between the protection of the tooth vitality and pulp capping agents at 6 and 12 months (P = 0.238, P = 0.606, respectively). CONCLUSION: Both materials were clinically applicable at the end of 12 months.