Outcomes of vital pulp therapy using various pulp capping agents
Rakesh Kumar Yadav1, Neha Jasrasaria1, Rini Tiwari1
1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Background:
Preserving pulp vitality is crucial for maintaining tooth function and structure. Vital pulp therapy uses pulp capping agents to promote pulp healing and regeneration.
Aims:
This study evaluated the outcomes of four different pulp capping agents.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned to four groups: G1 - calcium hydroxide (CH), G2 - growth factor (Recombinant human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB + Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate (rh-PDGF-bb+ βTCP)), G3 - Biodentine, and G4 - Cissus quadrangularis (CQ). After caries removal, the agents were applied to the exposed pulp, sealed with glass ionomer cement, and restored with composite. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were conducted at 1, 6, and 12 months, and the data were statistically analyzed.
Results:
The highest success rate was observed in the growth factor group (96.7%), followed by Biodentine (93.3%), CQ (90%), and CH (80%). However, the differences among groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Dentin bridge formation was the most frequent in the growth factor group (76.67%), and treatment failures were more common in patients over 40 years.
Conclusion:
Growth factor (rh-PDGF-bb + βTCP) demonstrated the highest success rate, positioning it as a superior alternative to CH. CQ also showed potential as an effective pulp capping agent, warranting further investigation.
