Indirect pulp therapy with selective removal of carious dentin in permanent teeth: An in vivo study with one year follows up

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of indirect pulp therapy (IPT) with selective removal of carious dentin in deep carious lesions of permanent teeth. One hundred permanent molars and premolars with deep carious lesions and no signs of irreversible pulpitis were selected. Selective caries removal was performed, preserving a layer of soft dentin over the pulpal wall. Calcium hydroxide liner was applied, followed by composite restoration. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups were conducted at 1, 6, and 12 months. At the 12-month visit, the cavity was re-entered to assess tertiary dentin formation. At 12 months follow up seventy-three cases were successful, with only two failures, resulting in a success rate of 97.3%.