Experimental Research on Deep Carious Lesion Treatment of Molars

Among the most frequently used materials for pulp capping are calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and, more recent, TheraCal. All of them are biocompatible and induce the formation of coronal hard tissue barriers (tertiary reparative dentin). Calcium hydroxide, considered for a long time the gold standard of direct pulp capping materials, has excellent antibacterial and remineralisant properties; however, it lacks adhesion, especially at moist dentin, and reparative dentin is less homogenous.

MTA proved to stimulate protective dentin bridge formation without inflammatory changes and least necrosis. It is also moisture tolerant, but it is more expensive, has poor handling characteristics and slow setting time.

TheraCal bonds to deep moist dentin, has strong physical properties, no solubility, high radioopacity and higher calcium releasing abilities than MTA or calcium hydroxide.

Inclusion criteria

• untreated deep uncomplicated carious lesions in first permanent molars (FPM)
• absence of clinical diagnosis of pulp exposure
• fistula
• swelling of periodontal tissues
• abnormal tooth mobility
• history of spontaneous pain or sensitivity to percussion
• healthy appearance of adjacent gingiva
• normal tooth color
• positive vitality to thermal and electric tests.

Exclusion criteria

• FPM with previous treatment
• FPM with developmental abnormalities (such as enamel hypoplasia, dentinogenesis imperfecta etc.)
• children with mental disabilities or systemic diseases.