# Histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of pulp tissue reaction to ACTIVA BioACTIVE base/liner in primary teeth pulpotomy: a randomized clinical trial

## TL;DR

This study compares a new dental material, ACTIVA BioACTIVE Base/Liner, to MTA in pulpotomy procedures in children's primary teeth, finding differences in tissue reactions.

## Contribution

The study introduces ACTIVA BioACTIVE Base/Liner as a promising alternative to MTA for pulpotomy in primary teeth.

## Key findings

- ACTIVA BioACTIVE Base/Liner showed better pulp vascularity and fibrosis compared to MTA.
- Fibronectin and osteopontin were expressed in fibrotic and calcified areas in both groups.
- ACTIVA BioACTIVE Base/Liner elicited encouraging systemic tissue responses.

## Abstract

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is the gold standard pulpotomy agent with some shortcomings, such as lengthy setting time, difficult manipulation, and a costly price. A new bioactive material, ACTIVA BioACTIVE Base/Liner, may prevail over these drawbacks.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the pulp reaction in primary teeth to ACTIVA BioACTIVE Base/Liner and conventional powder-liquid MTA (WhiteProRoot®MTA) as pulpotomy agents.

Eighty primary first molars in children aged 7–9 years were assigned into two groups (40 molars/group) in which the pulpotomy procedure was done. The pulp tissue was dressed in ACTIVA BioACTIVE Base/Liner (group I) and MTA (group II). Twenty teeth from each group were extracted after 15 days, and the remaining twenty teeth in each group were extracted after 30 days. All teeth specimens underwent a decalcification treatment for histological and immunohistochemical assessment for fibronectin and osteopontin (OPN) expressions.

Significant statistical differences were identified between ACTIVA BioACTIVE and MTA groups concerning the total scoring of pulp vascularity, pulp fibrosis, and presence or absence of pulp stone (P = 0.015, P < 0.001, P = 0.038, respectively), whereas a non-significant difference was noted concerning the odontoblastic layer organization. Fibronectin and OPN in both ACTIVA BioACTIVE and MTA groups were positive at the fibrotic and calcified areas.

ACTIVA BioACTIVE Base/Liner demonstrated encouraging outcomes concerning enhanced systemic tissue responses.

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05300152, “Pulpotomy Medications in Primary Teeth”, Registered: 29/03/2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05300152?cond=NCT05300152&rank=1