Calcium Hydroxide Vs MTA in Pulp Capping

Direct pulp-capping is a treatment for exposed vital pulp involving the placement of a dental material over the exposed area to facilitate both the formation of protective barrier and the maintenance of vital pulp. There are three causes of vital pulp exposure: caries, mechanical sources and trauma. Pulp capping could be performed on tooth with normal pulp or reversible pulpitis. Percussion, palpation, and periodontal probing test results should be within normal limits. The radiograph should show normal apical tissue

Different kinds of materials used such as Zinc Oxide Eugenol, Glass Ionomer (GI), Resin Modified Glass Ionomer (RMGI), Adhesive systems, Calcium Hydroxide, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Bio dentine. MTA is more effective and superior comparing the Calcium Hydroxide as a direct pulp capping material. MTA is easier to use and showed higher success rate, less toxic and less pulpal inflammation capping compared to Calcium Hydroxide.