Comparative evaluation of clinical and radiographic outcomes of primary molar pulpotomy using hyaluronic acid and mineral trioxide aggregate: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: A major factor influencing the outcome of primary molar pulpotomy is the pulp-dressing material used. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of primary molar pulpotomies using hyaluronic acid (HA) gel and mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as pulpotomy medicaments at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 children aged 4-8 years were included. Thirty-two primary molar teeth with deep carious lesions, with no history of spontaneous pain or signs of irreversible pulpitis, were treated by pulpotomy by a single operator using either HA or MTA as the pulp-dressing material. All teeth were restored using glass-ionomer cement, followed by a stainless steel crown. Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed at the 3, 6, and 12 months by two independent evaluators. Statistical comparative analyses were performed using the Chi-square test, and Kaplan-Meier plots were synthesized. Statistical significance was determined when P < 0.05 was obtained. Results: In each group, 15 teeth were analyzed after 12 months. The clinical success rates were 93% and 100%, while the radiographic success rates were 80% and 60% for the MTA and HA groups, respectively. Most radiographic failures in the HA group were seen at the 6 th -month follow-up. Conclusion: HA was comparable to MTA as a pulp-dressing material when evaluated clinically and radiographically at the 3, 6, and 12 months' follow-up.