MM-MTA for direct pulp capping: a histologic comparison with ProRoot MTA in rat molars.

AIM To compare the histomorphological response of rat dental pulps capped with MM-MTA and ProRoot MTA at 1, 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS Direct pulp capping with MM-MTA and ProRoot MTA, overlaid with light-cured composite resin, was performed on right and left maxillary first molars of 20 Wistar rats. Animals were killed at 1, 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. Biopsy samples were stained and viewed by light microscopy to determine dentin bridge formation. Data were statistically evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). RESULTS Absence of dentin bridge formation at 1 week, partial dentin bridge formation at 2 weeks and complete dentin bridge formation at 4 weeks are observed with MM-MTA and ProRoot MTA. The results showed no statistically significant difference between both materials at 4 weeks. CONCLUSION Both materials produced similar responses in the pulp when used for pulp capping in intact, caries-free molars of rats.