This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various vital pulp therapy (VPT) methods, such as direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy, and total pulpotomy, in maintaining pulp vitality following pulp exposure. It explores the success rates of these treatments compared and investigates co-factors influencing these rates, including age. This prospective cohort study involves patients over 18 with restorable teeth and exposed pulp chambers. Success is measured through clinical and radiological criteria over a follow-up period of up to four years. The study also aims to identify if there's an age threshold affecting the preference for VPT over root canal therapy.
Patients over 18 years of age who have at least one tooth with a pulp chamber that has been opened during a dental procedure or is likely to be opened during restoration of the tooth
The tooth is responsive to a sensitivity test with cold spray
The coronal part must be restorable
The periodontal depth around the tooth should be 0 according to the Dental Practicality Index Periodontal Treatment Need, i.e. the probing depth around the tooth should not be greater than 3.5 mm
Internal/external resorption in the tooth
If the root development of the tooth is not yet complete or if it is a deciduous tooth
Absolute isolation cannot be performed during the procedure
If pulp exposure does not occur even after complete removal of caries