A comparative study of using a combination of calcium chloride and mineral trioxide aggregate as the pulp-capping agent on dogs' teeth.

INTRODUCTION

The addition of some chemicals to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) may improve the physical properties of the biomaterial. The aim of this study was to compare a combination of MTA with/without CaCl(2) as pulp-capping agents in dogs' teeth.

METHODS

The dental pulp of 32 teeth in four dogs were exposed and capped with either MTA or MTA/CaCl(2). After 2 months, the animals were sacrificed, and the teeth were prepared for histological evaluation. Pulpal response to the two capping materials was evaluated in terms of necrosis, inflammation, and formation of a calcified bridge. The chi-square test was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Histological results showed a higher percentage of inflammation and necrosis and a lower percentage of calcified bridge formation in MTA/CaCl(2) samples compared with MTA; however, the differences were not statistically significant (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of CaCl(2) to MTA pulp-capping agent did not improve the properties of this biomaterial.