Background: Primary teeth pulp exposures have traditionally been treated with formocresol or ferric sulphate pulpotomies or calcium hydroxide pulp capping. The aim of this study was to observe the tissue response when mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was used.
Methods: Ten primary teeth had direct pulp caps and 11 had a pulpotomy with MTA. The teeth were restored and then clinically reviewed monthly for five months and before extraction. Radiographs were taken prior to treatment, after one month and prior to extraction. After extraction, the teeth were examined histologically and the responses to treatment were assessed.
Results: One pulpotomy and two pulp capping cases had postoperative pain and signs of pulp degeneration. Radiographs showed no root resorption, no periodontal pockets and no furcation radiolucencies. No cases had draining sinuses or increased mobility. Most pulps responded favourably from a clinical perspective although a variety of responses were noted histologically--normal odontoblasts, irregular odontoblasts, intra-pulpal calcifications, dentinal bridges, cementum formation, internal resorption, inflammatory infiltrate and pulp necrosis.
Conclusions: The responses of pulps in primary teeth to MTA pulpotomies and pulp caps were favourable from clinical and radiographic perspectives although a variety of histological responses were noted. MTA may be a favourable material for pulp capping and pulpotomies in primary teeth.