Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Calcium Hydroxide, MTA, and TheraCal LC in Indirect Pulp Capping in Primary Molars: In Vivo Study.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This investigation aimed to observe the effects of Dycal, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and TheraCal LC, as indirect pulp-capping materials in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 75 children with lower primary molars aged between 4 and 7 years suggested for IPC were selected and randomly allocated into Group I - Dycal, group II - MTA, and group III - TheraCal LC. An immediate postoperative radiograph was taken after the procedure. Recall examination was done after 3 and 6 months for clinical and radiographic assessment. The radiographs were digitized, and the amount of thickness of dentin was assessed using Corel Draw software. The values were tabulated and subjected to paired t-tests and independent t-tests for intra and intergroup analysis, respectively. The p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in dentin thickness in the first 3 months compared to the 6-month follow-up. At the end of the research phase, TheraCal LC had more tertiary dentin deposited than MTA, followed by Dycal. CONCLUSION: TheraCal LC can be a reliable indirect pulp-capping agent in primary teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Indirect pulp capping (IPC) is a very extensively employed treatment regimen to manage extensive caries. For many decades, calcium hydroxide has been regarded as the benchmark of pulp capping materials. With several advancements in materials for restoration, TheraCal LC a resin-modified, light-cured calcium silicate-filled liner serves as a pulp-capping agent and dentin protector, promoting pulp healing and preserving vitality as an obstacle cum protector of the dental pulp complex. How to cite this article Thomas NA, Jobe J, Thimmaiah C, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of Calcium Hydroxide, MTA, and TheraCal LC in Indirect Pulp Capping in Primary Molars In Vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4)365-371.