Comparative evaluation of MTA and PRF for direct pulp capping in permanent mandibular molars - A randomized control trial.

Direct pulp capping (DPC) aims to encourage pulp healing and the development of a mineralized tissue barrier and its successful implementation prevents the need for extensive treatment by protecting the exposed pulp with a dental biomaterial. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate and compare the clinical outcome, radiographic outcome, pain score and analgesic intake after Direct Pulp Capping (DPC) using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) as pulp capping agents in cariously exposed permanent mandibular molars with reversible pulpitis. Hence, a total of 154 permanent mandibular molars following the inclusion exclusion criteria were selected for the study. Teeth were randomly divided into two groups (Group I and II) of 77 teeth each. DPC was done with MTA and PRF in groups I and II respectively. All the samples were then evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. On statistical evaluation a significant difference was found between Group I (MTA) and Group II (PRF) at 6 and 12months follow-up period. PRF showed a higher success rate and less postoperative pain than MTA at all intervals, indicating its strong potential as a superior direct pulp capping material.