Comparative evaluation of different direct pulp capping agents in carious tooth: An in vivo study

BACKGROUND: The success of direct pulp capping (DPC) depends on the preoperative assessment of pulpal status, intraoperative judgment after pulp exposure, and the biomaterials used to cap the pulp. AIM: The study aims to compare the clinical and radiographic responses of the pulp–dentin complex after DPC with TheraCal LC, Biodentine, and current gold standard mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Plus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety vital permanent teeth with Class I deep carious lesions were randomly divided into three different groups. After the caries excavation, hemostasis was established using sodium hypochlorite at the site of pulp exposure on which the material was placed. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were performed at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals. RESULTS: Overall success rates of MTA Plus, Biodentine, and TheraCal LC were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: TheraCal LC and Biodentine showed similar success rates when compared to MTA Plus and can be used as an agent in DPC.