Outcomes of Vital Pulp Therapy Using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate or Biodentine: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been used in pulp capping of cariously exposed mature permanent teeth with promising results. The search for alternative materials that seal better and set faster than MTA and do not stain is ongoing. Biodentine (Septodont, St Maur-des-Fossés, France) exhibits these advantages but has not been tested yet for a prolonged duration in mature teeth. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of Biodentine and white MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) in cariously exposed mature permanent teeth.

METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal randomized controlled study of 68 vital permanent teeth with deep caries. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 study arms: Biodentine and MTA. Teeth were assessed clinically and radiographically before the procedure. Caries were excavated under local anesthesia; hemostasis was achieved after pulp exposure using sodium hypochlorite and capped with Biodentine or MTA. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were performed by a blinded calibrated evaluator after 6 months and 1, 2, and 3 years.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the overall success rate between Biodentine and MTA; it was 93.3% (Biodentine = 93.1% and MTA = 93.5%) at 6 months. The overall success rate increased to 96.2% (Biodentine = 96.0% and MTA = 100%) at 1 year and to 100% at 2 years. At the 3-year follow-up, it decreased to 93.8% (Biodentine = 91.7% and MTA = 96.0%).

CONCLUSIONS: Biodentine and MTA have favorable and comparable success rates when used as direct pulp capping or pulpotomy material in permanent mature teeth with carious exposure. The remaining tooth structure and durability of coronal restoration might affect significantly the long-term success of vital pulp therapy.