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Mineral trioxide aggregate as a pulpotomy medicament: A narrative review

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Summary

Background: Several medicaments have been used to devitalize remaining pulp or maintain pulp vitality and promote healing. Based on pulpal biocompatibility and good sealing ability, a growing interest in more biocompatible materials promotes mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as an alternative to traditional medicaments. Uniquely, MTA can preserve pulpal health predictably and promote healing with pulp regeneration. Methods: Using electronic search all papers published since 1993 on the use of MTA in paediatric dentistry were identified. This paper provides a narrative review of the current literature on MTA, formocresol, ferric sulphate and calcium hydroxide with particular reference to primary teeth pulpotomy medication. Conclusion: The use of formocresol or formaldehyde-based medicaments should be replaced with more biocompatible medicaments possessing antimicrobial and pulpal regenerative properties. Of the four pulpotomy medicaments discussed, mineral trioxide aggregate is recommended as the medicament of choice.

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  1. Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Science, The University of Melbourne, 720 Swanston St, Melbourne, Carlton, 3010, Australia

    F. K. Ng &  L. B. Messer

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Ng, F.K., Messer, L.B. Mineral trioxide aggregate as a pulpotomy medicament: A narrative review. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 9, 4–11 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03321589

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