Outcomes of direct pulp capping in vital primary teeth with cariously and non-cariously exposed pulp: A systematic review.

Objective: To summarize the clinical/radiographic outcomes from the evidence of studies published since 1988 on different DPC agents applied on vital pulp-exposed primary teeth.

Methods: The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Dentistry and Oral Science Source, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1988 and December 2019, with at least 6 months of follow-up, comparing the clinical and radiographic success rates of two or more DPC agents applied in primary teeth with cariously and non-cariously exposed pulp.

Results: Initial searches identified 83 potentially relevant studies on DPC in primary teeth. Sixty-four of these studies were excluded, whereas 19 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria and were retrieved in full text for data extraction and a methodological quality assessment. Finally, 12 of these articles were included in the systematic review. Low and moderate risks of bias were observed. Overall, DPC clinical and radiographic success rates among the selected studies ranged between 53% and 100%.

Conclusions: For DPC in primary teeth, this systematic review found that diverse new biologically and compatible agents with promising success rates are currently available for paediatric dentistry practitioners. There is no evidence that justifies discarding the judicious use of DPC procedures in primary teeth.