The use of beta-tricalcium phosphate, white MTA, white Portland cement and calcium hydroxide for direct pulp capping of primary pig teeth

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the response of the pulp of primary pig teeth after capping with beta-tricalcium phosphate (ss-TCP), white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA), white Portland cement (WPC) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)]. Material and Methods: Forty teeth of two 3-month old pigs were capped with these materials. Three weeks later, the animals were killed and the specimens were prepared for histological examination and evaluation of inflammatory cell response, tissue disorganization, hard tissue formation and bacteria presence was performed. The data collected from the histological examinations were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn multiple comparison tests. Results: There was no significant difference between ss-TCP, WMTA, WPC and CH in terms of primary pulp response, hard tissue formation and normal pulp tissue preservation. Conclusion: Beta-tricalcium phosphate, WMTA and WPC in primary pig teeth are as effective as Ca(OH)(2) in primary pig teeth capping.