Bioactive Materials in Vital Pulp Therapy of Permanent Teeth

Overview

This randomized clinical study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical, radiographic, and postoperative pain outcomes of direct pulp capping performed using two calcium silicate-based materials: ProRoot MTA and Biofactor MTA in permanent teeth with vital pulp exposure. A total of 80 teeth were randomly allocated into two groups according to the capping material used. Following standardized caries removal and achievement of hemostasis, direct pulp capping was performed using either ProRoot MTA or Biofactor MTA under similar clinical conditions. Definitive coronal restorations were completed 24 hours after the procedure. Postoperative pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS) at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. Patients were instructed to record their pain levels and analgesic intake during this period. Patients were recalled for clinical and radiographic evaluations at 6 and 12 months. Clinical success was defined as the absence of spontaneous pain, sensitivity, swelling, sinus tract formation, and tenderness to percussion or palpation. Radiographic success was determined by the absence of periapical pathology. Additionally, the influence of demographic and clinical variables, including age, gender, characteristics of pulp exposure, and intraoperative factors, on treatment outcomes and pulpal healing was evaluated.

This randomized controlled clinical study was designed to evaluate and compare the clinical performance, radiographic outcomes, postoperative pain, and pulpal healing following direct pulp capping using two calcium silicate-based materials: ProRoot MTA and Biofactor MTA in permanent teeth with vital pulp exposure. A total of 80 teeth diagnosed with vital pulp requiring direct pulp capping were included in the study. Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups (n=40) according to the pulp capping material used. All procedures were carried out under standardized clinical conditions. Caries removal was performed using a sterile round diamond bur under water cooling, followed by excavation with a spoon excavator. Teeth with pulp exposure were included in the study. Hemostasis was achieved. In cases where bleeding could not be controlled within a clinically acceptable time, the tooth was excluded from the study. In the experimental group, Biofactor MTA was applied directly over the exposed pulp tissue according to the manufacturer's instructions. In the control group, ProRoot MTA was used following the same protocol. After placement of the capping material, a protective base was applied, and the cavity was temporarily restored. Definitive coronal restorations were completed 24 hours after the initial procedure. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours following treatment. Patients were instructed to record their pain intensity and the number of analgesic tablets taken during this period. Patients were recalled for follow-up examinations at 6 and 12 months. Clinical evaluation included assessment of spontaneous pain, sensitivity, swelling, sinus tract formation, tenderness to percussion and palpation, and periodontal probing depths. Radiographic evaluation was performed to assess the presence of periapical pathology. Treatment success was defined as the absence of clinical symptoms and the absence of radiographic signs of pathology. Furthermore, the influence of demographic and clinical variables, including age, gender, number and location of pulp exposures, size of exposure, and bleeding control time, on treatment outcomes was analyzed.