Outcomes of vital pulp therapy using various pulp capping agents

Background: Preserving pulp vitality is crucial for maintaining tooth function and structure. Vital pulp therapy uses pulp capping agents to promote pulp healing and regeneration. Aims: This study evaluated the outcomes of four different pulp capping agents. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned to four groups: G1 – calcium hydroxide (CH), G2 – growth factor (Recombinant human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB + Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate (rh-PDGF-bb+ βTCP)), G3 – Biodentine, and G4 – Cissus quadrangularis (CQ). After caries removal, the agents were applied to the exposed pulp, sealed with glass ionomer cement, and restored with composite. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were conducted at 1, 6, and 12 months, and the data were statistically analyzed. Results: The highest success rate was observed in the growth factor group (96.7%), followed by Biodentine (93.3%), CQ (90%), and CH (80%). However, the differences among groups were not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). Dentin bridge formation was the most frequent in the growth factor group (76.67%), and treatment failures were more common in patients over 40 years. Conclusion: Growth factor (rh-PDGF-bb + βTCP) demonstrated the highest success rate, positioning it as a superior alternative to CH. CQ also showed potential as an effective pulp capping agent, warranting further investigation.