Clinical Comparison of Three Indirect Pulp Capping Restorative Protocols: A Randomized Controlled Prospective Study.

Objectives: The objective of this prospective double-blind clinical trial was to compare clinical outcomes of indirect pulp capping restorative protocols on permanent teeth over a 12-month period.

Methods and materials: Deep carious lesions in permanent teeth (90) were randomly assigned to three indirect pulp capping protocols (n=30: TheraCal LC, Dycal, and no liner). All teeth were restored with resin composite. The outcome measures were pain (VAS scale) and success rate (pulp vitality based on percussion, palpation, cold test, and radiographic findings), collected at screening, intervention, and 24-hour, 7-day, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in tooth sensitivity among the three indirect pulp capping protocols nor in success rates among the restorative protocols after 1 year of follow-up (p>0.1).The respective success rates, as defined by the tooth remaining vital, after 1 year were: 96.2% for TheraCal LC, 100% for Dycal, and 100% for no liner.

Conclusions: After 12-month evaluation, the success rate of indirect pulp capping therapy on permanent teeth was not affected by the pulp capping restorative protocol.