A Comparative Study of Using a Combination of Calcium Chloride and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate as the Pulp-capping Agent on Dogs' Teeth

Abstract

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. (J. Endod 2011;37:786-788)