Comparative evaluation of eggshell-derived nano-hydroxyapatite and amniotic membrane as pulpotomy agents in primary teeth: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Despite the clinical success of existing pulpotomy medicaments, the search for novel and economically viable alternatives continues. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of eggshell-derived nano-hydroxyapatite (EnHA) and amniotic membrane (AM) as pulpotomy agents in primary teeth. Materials and Methods: The study included 44 primary molars from 21 children aged 5–10 years, each presenting with at least two decayed primary molars requiring pulp therapy. The teeth were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (EnHA) and Group II (AM), with 22 molars in each group. The standard pulpotomy procedure was performed on all selected teeth, and the clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6, and 9 months posttreatment. The data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test and Cochran’s Q test to determine intergroup differences. Results: At the 9-month follow-up, Groups I and II showed a clinical success rate of 90%, and 85% respectively. Radiographically, the success rate was 85% for Group I and 75% for Group II. No statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was noticed between the clinical and radiographic outcomes in both the groups, indicating similar efficacy between the materials. Conclusion: Both EnHA and AM demonstrated comparable clinical and radiographic success rates. These findings suggest that both materials may serve as promising, cost-effective alternatives to conventional pulpotomy agents in primary teeth, offering a biologically based approach to pulp therapy.

Keywords

• amniotic membrane
• biocompatible materials
• calcium compounds
• eggshell-derived nano-hydroxyapatite
• pulp therapy
• regenerative medicine
• tissue scaffolds