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Vital Pulp Therapy vs. Root Canal Treatment in Mature Teeth With Irreversible Pulpitis

NCT07355140 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 43

Last updated 2026-01-21

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with parallel groups and double blinding, following the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki for human experimentation and in accordance with CONSORT guidelines. The study protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, Central University of Venezuela

Forty-six patients were enrolled and evenly assigned to two groups (VPT group: Vital Pulp Therapy Group; RCT Group: Root canal treatment group); 43 completed the 12-month follow-up (22 in the VPT group and 20 in the RCT group).

Patients were assigned to the experimental group (VPT) or control group (RCT) using a block randomization method (block size = 4). The randomization sequence was kept in sealed envelopes and revealed by a team member not involved in the study.

Clinical Procedures:

Preoperative periapical radiographs were taken using the parallel cone technique for both groups, and bitewing radiographs were additionally obtained for the experimental group. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia with 3% mepivacaine (inferior alveolar nerve block for mandibular teeth and infiltration for maxillary teeth) and rubber dam isolation.

\* Experimental Group (VPT): A 10 mL blood sample was collected to obtain PRF following Choukroun's protocol. Caries removal was performed non-selectively using sterile carbide burs at high speed with water cooling. After pulp exposure, passive irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl was performed. Inflamed pulp tissue was gradually removed under magnification using a fine-grit diamond bur until vascular, slightly bleeding tissue was observed. Hemostasis was achieved by gentle pressure with a sterile dry cotton pellet; if bleeding persisted, additional tissue removal was performed for up to 15 minutes. In some cases, full pulpotomy was required. PRF was compressed and trimmed to cover the exposed pulp tissue, then sealed with 2-3 mm of EndoSequence BC putty. The cavity was restored with self-curing glass ionomer and definitive composite resin.

\* Control Group (RCT): After caries removal, access cavity preparation was performed, and working length was determined using an electronic apex locator (Root ZX; J Morita, Irvine, CA). Root canals were instrumented with nickel-titanium rotary files (.04 taper) up to three sizes beyond the first file, with resistance. Irrigation was performed with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Obturation was completed using lateral compaction with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. The access cavity was sealed with glass ionomer and restored with composite resin.

Conditions

  • Pulpitis - Irreversible
  • Pulpitis
  • Pulpotomy
  • Root Canal Therapy

Interventions

PROCEDURE

VPT Group and RCT Group

In the VPT group, partial or complete pulpotomy was performed using PRF, followed by a bioceramic covering and definitive restoration. In the RCT group, root canal treatment was performed, and the coronal access was definitively sealed.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Universidad Central de Venezuela

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
26 Years
Max Age
61 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2021-01-01
Primary Completion
2023-11-30
Completion
2023-11-30

Countries

  • Venezuela

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07355140 on ClinicalTrials.gov