Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Light-Cured Calcium Hydroxide and a Fourth-Generation Calcium Silicate Cement (TheraCal LC) as Indirect Pulp Capping Materials in Patients With Deep Carious Lesions: A Randomized Parallel-Group Clinical Trial.

Abstract

AimThe current study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of light-cured calcium hydroxide and a fourth-generation calcium silicate cement (TheraCal LC®) as indirect pulp capping (IPC) materials in patients with deep carious lesions.Materials and methodsA total of 28 patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=14). Group A was managed by light-cured calcium hydroxide, while group B was treated with TheraCal LC (a fourth-generation calcium silicate cement). Clinical examination was conducted to check for postoperative pain, tenderness, and neural sensibility, and radiographical examination was conducted to check for periodontal ligament space widening, presence of calcific barrier, and periapical radiolucency at patient recall of 21 days, three months, and six months. Primary and secondary outcome variables were based on clinical and radiographical success rates noted at six months’ follow-up.ResultsSuccess rate for light-cured calcium hydroxide group at follow-up came out to be 0% at 21 days, 85.71% at three months, and 92.85% at six months. The success rate for TheraCal LC group came out to be 0% at 21 days, 92.85% at three months, and 100% at six months. The overall success rate for IPC procedure was 89.28% at three months’ follow-up and 96.42% at six months’ follow-up for both groups. The difference was statistically non-significant at the end of three and six months’ follow-up.ConclusionWithin the limitations of our study, it was concluded that TheraCal LC can be used alternatively with light-cured calcium hydroxide in IPC, with a predictability of similar success outcome in patients with deep carious lesions.