Outcomes of vital pulp therapy using various pulp capping agents

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Pulp vitality is essential for tooth function and longevity.
• Vital pulp therapy aims to preserve pulp vitality using capping agents.
• Effective pulp capping promotes healing and regeneration of dental pulp.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of four different pulp capping agents.
• To assess the efficacy of growth factors, Biodentine, Cissus quadrangularis, and calcium hydroxide in vital pulp therapy.
• To determine the success rates and dentin bridge formation associated with each agent.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 120 patients.
• Four groups received different pulp capping agents: calcium hydroxide (CH), growth factor (rh-PDGF-bb + βTCP), Biodentine, and Cissus quadrangularis (CQ).
• Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed at 1, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

Main Results:

• The growth factor group exhibited the highest success rate (96.7%), followed by Biodentine (93.3%), CQ (90%), and CH (80%).
• Dentin bridge formation was most prevalent in the growth factor group (76.67%).
• No statistically significant differences in success rates were found between the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Growth factor (rh-PDGF-bb + βTCP) demonstrated superior efficacy compared to calcium hydroxide for pulp capping.
• Cissus quadrangularis presents potential as an effective pulp capping agent requiring further research.
• Age over 40 was associated with a higher incidence of treatment failure.