Beta-tricalcium phosphate, white mineral trioxide aggregate, white Portland cement, ferric sulfate, and formocresol used as pulpotomy agents in primary pig teeth

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of formocresol ( FC), ferric sulfate ( FS), white mineral trioxide aggregate ( WMTA), white Portland cement ( WPC), and beta-tricalcium phosphate ( beta-TCP) on pulpotomized primary teeth of pigs. Study design. Fifty teeth of three 3-month old pigs were pulpotomized with these materials. Three weeks later, the animals were euthanized and the specimens were prepared for histological examination. Results. There was no significant difference between beta-TCP, WMTA, and WPC in terms of primary pulp response, hard tissue formation, and normal pulp tissue preservation. But, both FS and FC irritated the pulp tissue, provoking a more inflammatory pulp response than beta-TCP, WMTA, and WPC. Conclusion. Beta-TCP, WMTA, and WPC are histologically more effective pulpotomy agents than formocresol and ferric sulfate in primary pig teeth.