Indirect pulp treatment in primary teeth: 4-year results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of indirect pulp treatment (IPT) in primary molars after long-term function (up to 60 months).

METHODS

Teeth with deep carious lesions without signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis were divided by random allocation into two groups, according to the capping material utilized over demineralized dentin: experimental group (1): self-etching adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond); and control group (2): calcium hydroxide liner (Dycal). Both groups were filled with resin composite (Z250) and submitted to a clinical and radiographic monitoring period until exfoliation.

RESULTS

After the follow-up period (up to 60 months), no statistical difference was found between groups (P= 0.514). The overall success rate reached 78%. The failures occurred after the first year period recall.