In vivo outcomes of indirect pulp treatment in primary posterior teeth: 6 months' follow-up

BACKGROUND: Indirect pulp treatment (IPT) is a minimally invasive procedure based on the application of a protective liner on the affected dentin, thereby preserving the pulp vitality. AIM: This study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of IPT when a layer of calcium hydroxide (Dycal), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), or Biodentine was placed over the affected dentin in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical trial with sample size of 45 primary molars between the age group of 4-9 years, of which 15 teeth were considered, each for Group I (Dycal), Group II (MTA), and Group III (Biodentine). Measurements on digitized radiographs were made at baseline, 3, and 6 months using Corel Draw software. RESULTS: < 0.05) in all the groups. Within Group I, the thickness of dentin was 0.066 ± 0.009 mm at 3 months and 0.099 ± 0.011 mm at 6 months. In Group II, 0.081 ± 0.010 mm at 3 months and 0.123 ± 0.016 mm at 6 months. In Group III, 0.102 ± 0.021 mm at 3 months and 0.154 ± 0.022 mm at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically, 100% success rate was observed in all the groups whereas radiographically, Biodentine was superior to both the groups.