Pulpal Responses to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate With and Without Zinc Oxide Addition in Mature Canine Teeth After Full Pulpotomy Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Whiter teeth risk? Study finds ZnO in MTA cuts hard-tissue bridge in pulpotomy. Research suggests dental trade-offs. Smile safe? #DentalHealth #Pulpotomy

Bolhari B^{1, 2} ; Khouzestani NK³ ; Assadian H¹ ; Farzadmohajeri S^{4, 5} ; Dehghan MM^{4, 5} ; Niavarzi S³ ; Dorost B³ ; Nagendrababu V⁶ ; Duncan HF⁷ ; Heboyan A⁸ ; Signore A⁹ ; Benedicenti S¹⁰
Source: Scientific Reports Published:2025

Abstract

The addition of zinc oxide (ZnO) to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been shown to prevent tooth discoloration; however, its biological effects remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the pulpal responses to MTA containing 5% ZnO in full pulpotomy of dogs’ teeth. Forty caries-free premolars from mixed-breed dogs were subjected to full pulpotomy. Exposed pulpal tissues were randomly capped with either Angelus MTA (MTA) or Angelus MTA mixed with 5% ZnO (MTA + ZnO) (n = 20 each). After 4 weeks, the teeth were extracted, processed for histological evaluation, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Tissue response data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test at a 95% significance level. The incidence, thickness, and continuity of hard-tissue bridge formation were significantly lower in the MTA + ZnO group (p = 0.007, p = 0.001, and p = 0.002, respectively). Most samples in both groups exhibited no inflammatory cells, and none showed signs of necrosis. Incorporating ZnO into Angelus MTA compromised the quantity and quality of hard-tissue bridge formation following full pulpotomy in dogs’ premolars. © The Author(s) 2025.