Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of TheraCal LC, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, and Biodentine As Direct Pulp Capping Materials in Patients With Pulpal Exposure in Posterior Teeth: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Parallel Group Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT

Background The aim was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of TheraCal LC, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and Biodentine as direct pulp capping (DPC) materials in patients with pulpal exposure in the posterior teeth. Methodology A total of 54 samples were assessed for eligibility. Out of this, 12 teeth samples failed to meet the inclusion criteria. Finally, 42 teeth samples were selected which were randomly distributed into three groups (n = 14). Groups A, B, and C received the intervention of MTA, Biodentine, and TheraCal LC, respectively. The assessment was performed clinically to check for postoperative pain, tenderness, and neural sensibility, and the radiographs were used to check the presence of periodontal ligament (PDL) space widening, calcified barrier, and periapical radiolucency at the follow-up of 21 days, three months, and 12 months. The outcomes depended on the clinical and radiographic success rates recorded at 12 months of recall. Results Overall successful outcome of DPC clinically at different periods was 97.61% at three months and 88.09% at 12 months. A Chi-square test was used which showed that the difference was statistically nonsignificant. For groups A, B, and C, the success rate at follow-up came out to be 85.71%, 100%, and 78.57% at 12 months, respectively. The overall radiographic success rate of DPC at different time periods was 83.33% at three months and 88.09% at 12 months. A Chi-square test was used which showed that the difference was statistically nonsignificant. For groups A, B, and C, the success rate at follow-up came out to be 85.71%, 100%, and 78.57% at 12 months, respectively. Conclusion Resin-based calcium-silicate agent (TheraCal LC) showed good efficacy and can be used in practice with the predictability of a good success rate both clinically and radiographically. Thus, TheraCal LC can be utilized as an alternative to MTA or Biodentine in clinical practice, with the predictability of similar successful outcomes in patients with pulpal exposure in the posterior teeth.