Efficacy and safety of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy for caries-exposed permanent teeth in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulp capping for caries-exposed permanent teeth. However, the efficacy of MTA in the treatment of children's gums is still controversial, and different studies have shown different efficacy. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically review the efficacy and safety of MTA pulp incision in the treatment of pediatric caries using meta methods Methods: We used meta-analysis to compare differences in the efficacy of MTA and calcium hydroxide (CH) for treating caries in permanent teeth. The mean treatment success rate of MTA for reversible and irreversible pulpitis groups was calculated, and the effect of apical opening condition and surgical type on success rate were investigated. Results: A total of 15 studies were included, and meta-analysis showed that there was a significant statistical difference between the MTA group and CH group in efficacy [odds ratio (OR) =1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28, 2.73, P=0.001, I2=63%, Z=3.25], success rate (OR =3.20, 95% CI: 1.93, 5.30, P<0.00001, I2=0%, Z=4.52), influence of apical foramen condition on success rate (OR =1.77, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.73, P=0.01, I2=15%, Z=2.56), and surgical procedure on success rate (OR =2.64, 95% CI: 1.65, 4.23, P<0.0001, I2=45%, Z=4.05). Discussion: Our results showed that MTA pulpotomy was superior to CH. Nonclosure of apical openings and complete coronal pulpotomy may be more beneficial than partial pulpotomy.