Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Indirect Pulp Capping Using Platelet Rich Fibrin Versus Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in Deep Carious Molars: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Launched by CAIRO UNIVERSITY · Mar 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at two different treatments for deep cavities in molar teeth that don’t cause pain. The study compares Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) to see which one works better in helping the tooth heal over a year. Both PRF and MTA are materials used to cover the tooth’s pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth—to protect it and promote healing.

To participate, you need to have a deep cavity in a permanent molar that isn’t causing you any pain and hasn’t been treated with a root canal or direct pulp cap before. You must also be willing to come back for check-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatment. Unfortunately, if you have certain health conditions, are pregnant, or if your tooth is severely damaged, you may not be eligible for this trial. If you do join the study, you'll help researchers understand which treatment is more effective, and you'll get care for your dental issue during the process.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • o Patients with asymptomatic deep carious molars.
• • Patients with clinically and radiographically confirmed deep carious lesions that do not exhibit spontaneous pain.
• • Permanent molars only.
• • Teeth with intact or minimally restored occlusal surfaces (i.e., no extensive restorations or fractures).
• • No history of previous endodontic treatment or direct pulp capping on the study tooth.
• • No signs of periapical pathology based on radiographic evaluation.
• • Patients willing to participate and follow up for 12 months.
• • Patients who agree to return for scheduled follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • o Patients with systemic conditions affecting bone or tissue healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, immunosuppressed conditions).
• • Pregnant or lactating women (if applicable to your study).
• • Teeth with pulp exposure or necrotic pulp.
• • Presence of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (e.g., spontaneous pain, lingering pain).
• • Periapical pathology or internal/external resorption detected radiographically.
• • Severely broken down or non-restorable teeth.
• • Calcified root canals or excessive sclerosis that could affect pulp testing reliability.
• • Any pre-existing root canal treatment on the selected tooth.
• • Patients who have undergone recent fluoride treatment, pulpotomy, or other pulp therapies in the past 6 months.
• • Patients using medications affecting bone and tissue regeneration (e.g., bisphosphonates, corticosteroids).
• • Patients unwilling or unable to commit to the 12-month follow-up schedule.
• • Patients with poor oral hygiene or high caries risk that could compromise treatment outcomes.