Aim: To evaluate the histological pulp response to three direct pulp capping agents (Propolis, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Calcium Enriched Mixture) in primary molars.

Study design: Comparative study

Place and duration of study: Pediatric Dentistry department and Oral Pathology department at de’Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore from 1st May 2016 to 31st December 2016.

Methodology: Fifty-seven human vital primary first molars were selected from patients aged 8 years. They were divided into three groups of nineteen each. Propolis, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium enriched mixture (CEM) were used as direct pulp capping (DPC) agents in primary molars. After pinpoint exposure, the teeth were directly pulp capped with above mentioned materials. Teeth were extracted after fifteen days for histological examination of inflammatory pulpal cell response.

Results: In Propolis group (15 days duration), 15 teeth (78.9%) were in grade 1inflammation, 1 tooth (5%) was in grade 2 inflammation and 3 teeth (15.7%) were in grade 3 inflammation. In Mineral Trioxide Aggregate group 14 teeth (73.7%) were in grade 1 inflammation, 3 teeth (15.7%) were in grade 2 inflammation and 2 teeth (10.5%) were in grade 3 inflammation. In Calcium Enriched Mixture group 15 teeth (78.9%) were in grade 1 inflammation, 3 teeth (15.7%) were in grade 2 inflammation and 1 tooth (5.3%) were in grade 3 inflammation.

Conclusion: The effects of Propolis, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM) on pulpal tissue are comparable to each other. Propolis is a cheaper material as compared to other direct pulp capping agents and easily available. Therefore, it may be used as an alternative pulp capping agent however, further investigation is required to analyze human pulpal response.

Keywords: Direct pulp capping. Propolis, Mineral trioxide aggregate, Calcium enriched mixture, Primary molars