Direct pulp capping in asymptomatic carious primary molars using three different pulp capping materials: a prospective clinical trial

PURPOSE Τo assess the outcome of direct pulp capping in asymptomatic carious primary molars using three pulp capping materials. METHODS In this prospective clinical trial, carious primary molars free of irreversible pulp inflammation signs and symptoms, with negative pain history and pulp exposure following caries removal were included. Teeth were divided into groups: A: Ca(OH)$_{2}$, B: Pure Portland cement$^{®}$, C: Biodentine™. Following anaesthesia, isolation, caries removal, pulp exposure, hemorrhage control, pulp capping, additional lining in groups A, B, teeth were restored with composite resin. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, multivariable random effects Cox regression model were performed. RESULTS Sixty-six patients (25 girls, 41 boys) with mean age 7.2 (± 1.7) years participated. The mean follow-up time was 13 months. Seventy-nine primary molars were assigned to groups A (n = 27), B (29), C (n = 23). The overall failure was 16% and the distribution by group was: A: 5 teeth, B: 5 teeth, C: 3 teeth. No significant differences in failure rates between capping materials, tooth types, age bands and genders were identified. CONCLUSIONS Direct pulp capping in asymptomatic carious primary molars may be an acceptable option, when treating an exposed pulp with bioceramic materials as pulp capping agents