Influence of preoperative pain in the success rate of indirect pulp capping: a retrospective study.

Background: The association of preoperative pain and indirect pulp treatment in permanent teeth is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative pain in the success rate of indirect pulp capping.

Methods: The sample of this retrospective study was constituted for 133 teeth treated in a Private clinic in Joinvile, Brazil, by one experienced dentist between 2007 and 2012. Data related to clinical and demographic variables that could influence in the success rate of indirect pulp capping were also collected, such patient age and sex, type of teeth and arch. Chi‑square test was used to evaluate the association between preoperative pain with postoperative one and success of the treatment. Logistic regression was performed to identify significant clinical and demographical factors associated with the success of the indirect pulp capping.

Results: The overall success rate was 100% in the absence of preoperative pain. However, when the preoperative pain was present, the failure rate was 18.3%. Statistical analysis showed significant association between preoperative pain and postoperative one and failure rate of the indirect pulp capping. The other independent variables were not associated with the success rate of the treatment.

Conclusions: The presence of preoperative pain is associated with the decrease of the success rate of indirect pulp capping.