Direct pulp capping with bioactive materials – A case series

Abstract

The case series describes the use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and a bioactive composite resin as a direct pulp capping agent after small pulpal exposure during caries excavation in permanent molars. After clinical examination, pulp sensibility with cold test and radiographic examinations in both cases, the teeth were diagnosed with reversible pulpitis. Caries removal was done and MTA was placed in patient 1 and the bioactive composite resin material was placed in patient 2 followed by composite resin restoration. At 1 week follow‑up, patient’s spontaneous symptoms had resolved in both the cases. Six months follow‑up demonstrated maintenance of pulp vitality, clinical function, as well as the absence of pain/tenderness to percussion/palpation/cold sensitivity tests; periapical radiograph showed normal periodontium. These favourable results indicate that both Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and a bioactive composite resin can be successfully used as direct pulp capping agents.