In vital pulp therapy, which material is currently considered superior to calcium hydroxide for inducing dentin bridge formation?

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has largely replaced calcium hydroxide as the material of choice for vital pulp therapy (direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, apexification) due to its superior biocompatibility, ability to induce consistent dentin bridge formation, superior sealing ability, and long-term clinical success rates. Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated higher success rates with MTA compared to calcium hydroxide for direct pulp capping. Calcium hydroxide is still used in specific situations (e.g., apexogenesis) but MTA is now the preferred standard. MTA also does not cause the dentinal bridge with tunnel defects commonly seen with calcium hydroxide.