Comparison of direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy with MTA in Closed-Apex premolar teeth: a randomized clinical trial

Conservative pulp therapy is an approach to maintain pulp vitality. Direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy are two main approaches of this therapy. The aim of this study was histological comparison of direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy with MTA in human premolar teeth.
In this randomized clinical trial, 40 healthy premolar teeth were selected from patients who needed tooth extraction because of orthodontic treatment. After anesthesia, isolation and preparation of a Cl I cavity on the occlusal surface, an exposure was made in the buccal pulp horn using a #½ round bur with the whole bur entering the pulp chamber in half of the samples. In the remaining samples, a small exposure was made in the buccal pulp horn. The pulps in both groups were sealed with MTA (PRO Root, Dentsply, Switzerland). All the cavities were restored with glass-ionomer. After 60 days, all the teeth were extracted and after fixation and decalcification processes, 4-µ sections were obtained. H&E staining was carried out. The sections were analyzed by an oral pathologist who was blinded to the study procedures. Data were analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis test and Fisher's exact test (a There were no significant differences between direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy in pulp reaction (p value = 0.823). The calcified bridges formed were not significantly different between the two groups (p value = 0.985).
Direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy are both useful for maintaining pulp vitality.