Two calcium silicate-based materials used in direct pulp capping (in-vivo study)

Abstract

Aim The aim was to clinically and radiographically evaluate mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and TheraCal LC as direct pulp capping (DPC) materials. Materials and methods Twenty male patients aged 17–35 years with immediate mechanical pulp exposure in lower molars were randomly divided into two equal groups (n = 10). Group 1: pulp exposures were capped using MTA. Group 2: pulp exposures were capped using TheraCal LC. Immediately after DPC, a base-line digital bitewing and periapical radiographs were taken. Clinical evaluation was performed at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after DPC for presence/absence of spontaneous pain, tenderness to percussion, draining sinuses and pulp response to thermal pulp vitality test. At 24 weeks after DPC, digital periapical, and bitewing radiographs were taken. Digitalized bitewing radiographs were submitted to image analysis software to measure dentin bridge thickness in comparison to the base-line bitewing radiographic image. Digitalized preoperative and postoperative periapical radiographs were submitted to the same software to evaluate changes in the width of periodontal ligament space. Results Clinically, all cases showed criteria of successful treatment except 3, four cases in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between both groups (P > 0.05). All of the thirteen cases that were available for evaluation after 6 months showed dentin bridge formation. In MTA group, the mean value of dentin bridge formed was higher than in TheraCal LC group with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.710). Changes in the width of periodontal ligament space were not significantly different between both groups recording (P > 0.05). Conclusion Clinically and radiographically, MTA and TheraCal LC are favorable materials for DPC inducing adequate dentin bridge formation and minimal widening of periodontal ligament space.