Clinical and radiological evaluation of calcium sulfate as direct pulp capping material in primary teeth

Ulusoy A., Bayrak S., Bodrumlu E.

European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, vol.15, no.1, pp.127-131, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Journal Name: European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.127-131
  • Keywords: Calcium sulfate, Direct pulp capping, Vital pulp therapy in primary molars
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the clinical and radiological response of primary molars to direct pulp capping with calcium sulfate hemihydrate. Materials and methods: Forty primary molar teeth in 40 healthy children aged 5-9 years were treated by direct pulp capping. Teeth were randomly assigned to two groups (n=20) according to material used for capping, as follows: Group 1: calcium hydroxide cement (Dycal); Group 2: calcium sulfate hemihydrate (Dentogen). All teeth were restored with a conventional glass ionomer base (Fuji IX) and amalgam. Results: After 12 months, the overall success rate of direct pulp capping was approximately 75% (24/32 teeth, excluding exfoliations). The success rate did not differ significantly between calcium hydroxide and calcium sulfate hemihydrate treatment. Conclusion: Calcium sulfate hemihydrate was found to be as successful as calcium hydroxide for direct pulp capping of primary molars with Class I cavities. Further histological studies are needed to support these findings.