Which material is widely used for a pulpotomy of primary teeth, and can fixate pulpal tissues?

Which material is widely used for a pulpotomy of primary teeth, and can fixate pulpal tissues?

• A. Chlorhexidine
• B. Calcium hydroxide
• C. Formocresol
• D. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate

Answer: (D)

Pulpotomy success hinges on preserving and protecting the remaining pulp tissue while creating a seal that prevents microleakage. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate fits this goal well: it is highly biocompatible with pulp tissue, sets in the presence of moisture, and promotes formation of a hard tissue barrier (dentin bridge) that helps the pulp heal. This combination leads to predictable healing and longevity of the treated primary tooth. Chlorhexidine is mainly an antiseptic and doesn’t provide the necessary seal or tissue-stimulating properties for pulpotomy. Calcium hydroxide has been used for pulp capping, but in primary teeth it often shows less reliable dentin bridge formation and other issues. Formocresol is a fixative that mummifies tissue to preserve the radicular pulp, but its use has declined due to toxicity concerns and less favorable long-term outcomes.

Pulpotomy success hinges on preserving and protecting the remaining pulp tissue while creating a seal that prevents microleakage. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate fits this goal well: it is highly biocompatible with pulp tissue, sets in the presence of moisture, and promotes formation of a hard tissue barrier (dentin bridge) that helps the pulp heal. This combination leads to predictable healing and longevity of the treated primary tooth.

Chlorhexidine is mainly an antiseptic and doesn’t provide the necessary seal or tissue-stimulating properties for pulpotomy. Calcium hydroxide has been used for pulp capping, but in primary teeth it often shows less reliable dentin bridge formation and other issues. Formocresol is a fixative that mummifies tissue to preserve the radicular pulp, but its use has declined due to toxicity concerns and less favorable long-term outcomes.