Clinical and radiographic evaluation of indirect pulp capping using biodentine and theracal LC in primary molars

Abstract Objectives Dental caries is the most common chronic disease, with a high incidence rate that affects many children in different countries. Indirect pulp therapy (IPT) is a minimally invasive procedure that depends on the application of a bioactive material to the affected dentin, thus preserving the vitality of the pulp. Aim The present study was directed to conduct clinical and radiographic evaluation of indirect pulp capping with biodentine and theracal LC in primary molars. Materials and Methods A randomized clinical trial registered under the NCT06020911 identifier on ClinicalTrials.gov on August 23, 2023, had a sample size of 34 primary molars between the ages of 4 and 7 years, of which 17 teeth were considered, each for group I (theracal LC) and group II (biodentine). Measurements of dentin thickness and density were obtained using cone-beam computed tomography immediately after restoration and after a 9-month follow-up. Results Both the thickness and density of the dentin showed a statistically significant increase in the theracal LC and the biodentine groups after 9 months postoperatively compared to immediately after restoration ( P < 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). However, the density of dentin showed a statistically significant increase in the theracal LC group compared to the biodentine group 9 months postoperatively ( P = 0.005). Conclusion Both biodentine and theracal LC are effective clinically and radiographically as IPT material in primary teeth, with considerable dentin production. IPT provides high success rates as well as the ideal pulp capping material for primary teeth with deep carious lesions. Clinical relevance For primary molars, IPT is a conservative treatment strategy that can help maintain pulp vitality. In IPT, calcium hydroxide is still widely used, although no alternative material has been developed as of yet. As IPT needs the preferred liner for primary teeth and can serve as a viable alternative to pulpotomy in primary molars, the use of capping materials like biodentine or theracal LC can improve the success rate of IPT.