Comparative evaluation of four different calcium-based medicaments as an indirect pulp capping agent: An in vivo study.

CONTEXT: The choice of material for indirect pulp capping (IPC) may affect long-term pulp vitality, particularly with newer bioactive cements.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic efficacy of TheraCal LC, Binar LC, calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, and calcium hydroxide as IPC agents in mature permanent teeth with deep carious lesions.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized trial, 52 patients with deep caries and reversible pulpitis were divided into four groups (n = 13). Standardized IPC procedures and follow-ups at 21 days, 3 months, and 6 months included clinical and radiographic evaluations.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests analyzed pain (Visual Analog Scale scores); Chi-square tests compared categorical variables.

RESULTS

All materials maintained pulp vitality without significant differences (P > 0.05). CEM cement achieved 100% success with no radiographic abnormalities. TheraCal LC and Binar LC performed well, while calcium hydroxide showed slightly more failures and a higher incidence of PDL widening.

CONCLUSIONS

All tested materials were effective IPC agents; however, bioactive materials (CEM cement and TheraCal LC) demonstrated superior clinical outcomes and sealing ability versus traditional calcium hydroxide.