ClINICal evalUaTION Of DIReCTly pUlp CappeD peRmaNeNT TeeTh wITh glass IONOmeR maTeRIals

Direct pulp capping is the most conservative restorative procedure for protecting the pulp from further insult, permitting healing and repair. Calcium hydroxide Ca(OH) 2 is the most commonly used materials for direct pulp capping . The aim of this study was to compare clinically and radio graphically Ca(OH) 2 with Resin modified glass ionomer (RM-GIC) as a direct pulp capping material. Forty six teeth were selected for pulp capping; they were divided to 2 groups. Group I. 20 cases of Resin modified glass ionomer (RM-GIC) (Vitrebond), Group II 26 cases of Ca (OH) 2 (Dycal) were applied in 0.5 mm exposure. All teeth were treated under rubber dam isolation and filled with composite then recalled after 3 weeks, 3 month, and 6 month for clinical and radiographical assessment. Eighty three percent of the cases were recalled. The age of the participants ranged from 13 to 52 years, with a mean of 29.4 ± 10, 70% of those cases were diagnosed as asymptomatic carious lesion and 30% had reversible pulpits. Clinically, Ca(OH) 2 had the lowest success having four failed cases after six month recall, while the glass ionomer had no failure through out the study. Significance in clinical success between glass ionomer and Ca(OH) 2 in the 6 month period P=.039. Also there was high significance within Ca(OH) 2 recall period of 3 weeks and 3 month .004, and 3 weeks and 6month (.019). Radiographically, withdrawal in Ca(OH) 2 success by time shows an increase in percentage of pathological change through the follow up recall periods. In conclusion Glass ionomer was stable all thru the study period with the highest success in comparisons to the Ca(OH) 2.