Dental Material Choices for Pulp Therapy in Paediatric Dentistry

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the restorative choices for pulpal therapy by members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD). Methods: Members of the ANZSPD were sent an online survey asking about the procedures that they performed and their choice of dental materials. Results: The respondents were 31 general dentists (GD) and 55 specialist paediatric dentists (PD). Materials used for indirect pulp capping included calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH) 2 ] cement (CHC), glass ionomer cement or resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC/RMGIC), Ca(OH) 2 paste (CHP) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Materials for direct pulp capping included MTA, CHP and CHC. Materials and techniques used for pulpotomy included MTA, ferric sulphate, formocresol and diathermy, CHP and CHC. GD and PD were similar in their choice of materials. However, there was no preferred product for pulp therapy. Most GD learnt how to use MTA from CPD lectures, while some PD learnt how to use MTA from their postgraduate training as well as CPD lectures. Many GD and PD did not have hands-on training from their education on how to use MTA (GD: 80%, PD: 43%). Most would like to attend hands-on MTA courses (GD: 86%, PD: 65%). Conclusion: There was no clear preferred product for the various types of pulp therapy in paediatric dentistry. Education appears to be the major barrier to the use of MTA rather than the cost of MTA.

The effect of current pulp capping materials against intrapulpal temperature increase in primary teeth. An in-vitro study by pulpal microcirculation simulation model

“…In a study that investigating the material choices of clinicians for indirect pulp capping, it was reported that despite its high success rates as a pulp capping agent, MTA is not widely preferred by clinicians in pediatric dentistry. 18 The high cost of the material and inadequate knowledge regarding the procedure to use MTA are considered as possible barriers to its common usage. 19 In the present study, although MTA was not significantly successful as Biodentin, TheraCal LC and resin-modified GIC, pulpal temperature increase did not reach the critical value (5.5 °C) when MTA was used as an indirect pulp capping agent.…”

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate—A Review of Properties and Testing Methodologies

“…Since its invention, MTA has been tested under laboratory conditions, then in animal studies and in clinical trials [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The positive results of these investigations have resulted in MTA becoming a commonly used material in pediatric dentistry and in endodontics [ 6 , 7 ].…”