Background and objectives Direct pulp capping (dPC) is a therapeutic process that involves the application of a protective chemical to an exposed pulp with the intent to facilitate the restoration and preservation of its vitality and function. Despite numerous proposed solutions, researchers have yet to find a dependable, non-absorbable bioactive pulp capping substance that constantly activates cellular healing processes, consequently preserving pulpal vitality over an extended period of time. The objective of this study was to assess and contrast the efficacy of a novel tricalcium silicate cement and calcium hydroxide in preserving the long-term health of the dental pulp following dPC using clinical and radiographic observations. Materials and methods A total of 60 individuals with symptoms of reversible pulpitis associated with deep carious lesions were chosen for dPC in the study. Two groups comprising 30 patients each underwent dPC using the novel tricalcium silicate cement (experimental group) and calcium hydroxide (control group) out of the total number of patients. A thin protective covering of self-curing glass ionomer base was applied on top of the capping material. The dentist provided instant permanent restoration employing direct posterior composite resin. Follow-up examinations were conducted three, six, nine, and 12 months after the procedure, during which assessments were performed using clinical and radiographic parameters. Results The minimum age of the study group was 16, and its maximum age was 34 (22.35 ± 2.3 years). The control group consisted of 12 males and 18 females, while the Biodentine group consisted of 13 males and 17 females. The age and gender distribution were determined to have insignificant statistical differences across the groups. The pain score exhibited statistical significance at both the three-month and six-month follow-up visits (p < 0.05). The pain score at the 12-month follow-up was 0.38 ± 0.52 in the case group and 0.42 ± 0.61 in the control group (p = 0.79). The average Periapical Index (PAI) score for the Dycal and Biodentin groups after the 12-month follow-up was 1.38 ± 0.97 and 1 ± 0.3, respectively. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.044). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in the PAI score at the three-month, six-month, and nine-month follow-ups (p < 0.01). During the entirety of the follow-up duration, one individual in the Biodentine group had tenderness upon percussion, a negative reaction for pulp vitality, pulpal changes, and a widening of the periodontal space. Statistically significant differences were observed in pulpal changes and tenderness on percussion during the nine-month and 12-month follow-up periods (p < 0.05). After 12 months, the rate of success in the group treated with Dycal was 91.3%, while the success percentage in the group treated with Biodentine was 98.55%. This difference in outcomes was determined to be statistically significant (λ2 = 5.46; p = 0.019). Conclusion The study findings indicate that Biodentine, a novel tricalcium silicate cement, outperforms calcium hydroxide in preserving pulp vitality over the long term following dPC. The Biodentine group attained an overall success rate of 98.55%, whereas the Dycal group had a success rate of 91.3% following 12 months of subsequent follow-up visits.
Keywords: biodentine; calcium hydroxide; direct pulp capping; dycal; new tricalcium silicate cement.
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