Comparative Analysis of the Mineral Induction Potential of Resin-Containing and Conventional Pulp-capping Materials: An In Vitro Study

Abstract Background: Vital pulp therapy aims to preserve pulp tissue by inducing mineralization at the site of pulp exposure or injury. We use various materials with different mineral induction abilities for pulp capping. Aim: To evaluate the mineral induction ability of two resin-containing pulp-capping agents. Methods: Samples of each material were prepared and cured according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The study groups were as follows: ReCal LC, ApaCal ART, and MTA. We then immersed them in simulated body fluid for 14 days at 37°C. Following immersion, the samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to assess the surface morphology and elemental composition. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test ( P < 0.05). Results: All three materials induced mineralization, but the extent of apatite formation varied. ReCal exhibited a platy apatite layer with a higher calcium content (12.3 ± 0.5%, P = 0.00) than ApaCal ART (8.1 ± 0.5%, P = 0.000), whereas MTA demonstrated the highest bioactivity. Conclusion: Resin-based ReCal LC exhibits encouraging bioactivity while remaining affordable, making it a promising pulp-capping material for further clinical evaluation. ReCal exhibited mineral induction capabilities similar to MTA, indicating its potential as an effective alternative to pulp-capping procedures, especially in resource-constrained settings.