Endodontics · single question
The gold standard for inducing a dentin bridge (direct pulp capping) according to RCT evidence is:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)
- A. Formocresol is used for pulpotomy in primary teeth — it is not indicated for direct pulp capping in permanent teeth.
- B. Correct. MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) is now supported by the highest level of evidence (RCTs) as the gold standard for direct pulp capping. It provides excellent sealing, is biocompatible, and produces dentin bridges with fewer defects than Ca(OH)2.
- C. Calcium hydroxide was the historical standard for pulp capping; however, it creates dentin bridges with 'tunnel defects' and has higher failure rates long-term compared to MTA.
- D. Biodentine (calcium silicate cement) shows similar or superior results to MTA in some studies and has better handling properties, but MTA remains the most cited gold standard in RCT literature.