Comparative evaluation of biodentine, 2% chlorhexidine with RMGIC and calcium hydroxide as indirect pulp capping materials in primary molars: An in vivo study.

Background: Indirect pulp therapy (IPT) is conventional treatment of deep dentinal carious lesions without risk of pulp exposure. Development of new biomaterials with biocompatibility and seal has changed the attitudes toward IPT.

Aim/Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic success of biodentine, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and calcium hydroxide as indirect pulp-capping materials in primary molars over an observation period of 12 months.

Materials and Methods: A total of 54 primary molars within the age group of 3-9 years, which were indicated for IPT were randomized into three groups of 18 samples each; Group I: biodentine, Group II: 2% chlorhexidine gluconate followed by RMGIC, Group III: calcium hydroxide (Dycal). These cases were followed up for evaluation clinically and radiographically at 3, 6, and 12 months. The recorded data were subjected to statistical analysis using Chi-square test.

Results: After 12 months, the clinical and radiographic success of biodentine group was 100% (18/18), with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate disinfecting solution followed by RMGIC was 94.4% (17/18) and calcium hydroxide (Dycal) was 94.4% (17/18), failures included one at 3 months with RMGIC and another at 12 months with calcium hydroxide group; but there was no statistically significant difference observed between them with P = 0.361 at 3 months and P = 0.371 at 12 months interval.

Conclusion: Biodentine can be effectively used as indirect pulp-capping medicament in primary teeth which has similar clinical and radiographic success as 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in conjunction with RMGIC and calcium hydroxide.