Effect of age on the success of direct pulp capping using two bioceramic materials in cariously exposed teeth with reversible pulpitis: A prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate impact of age on outcome following Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine direct pulp capping (DPC) in teeth with extremely deep caries and reversibly inflamed pulp. METHODS: 174 patients with permanent mandibular molars exhibiting extremely deep caries were recruited based on their age into 2 groups-Age group I (18-40 Years)-Young aged (YA) and Age group II(41-60 Years)-Middle aged (MA) with n=87 per group. Following caries excavation and hemostasis achievement, patients were randomly allocated to MTA or Biodentine in each group. Clinical and radiographic success was the primary outcome, while measurement of pain intensity using Visual analogue scale up to 7 days post-treatment was the secondary outcome. Outcome and other categorical data were analyzed using chi square test. Pain intensities and analgesic consumption were analyzed using Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: The recall rate was 96% (168 out of 174) at 12 months. The success rate was significantly higher in YA at 95.2%, compared to 85.7% in MA (p<0.05). At 12 months, the success rates for MTA and Biodentine were 91.6% and 89.4%, respectively, (p>0.05). There were no notable differences in pain intensities between the YA and MA groups at any time point up to 7 days post-treatment (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The patient's age influenced the outcome of DPC with higher success rate seen in YA. In teeth with carious exposures, pulp capping with MTA and Biodentine is a predictable procedure.