Indirect Pulp Treatment of Young Permanent Molars Using Photo-Activated Oral Disinfection Versus Calcium Hydroxide

Indirect pulp treatment is a procedure in which pulp exposure is prevented by preserving the carious dentin bordering the pulp and sealing the pulp with a biocompatible material. . Calcium hydroxide is the gold standard for pulp capping, it permits reparative dentin bridge formation, maintains pulp vitality, protects the pulp against harmful stimuli and has antimicrobial effect. However, several disadvantages were reported with its use over time including poor seal, lack of chemical and mechanical adhesion, poor strength, long-term solubility, enhanced degradation after acid etching and tunnel defects in the dentin bridge . The operative tradition is to remove softened dentin to eliminate infected tissue; however, it is impossible to eradicate all the micro-organisms because few will persist although all soft dentin was excavated. Evidence suggest that for arresting caries lesions, it is not crucial to completely remove the infected dentin and that selective caries removal and composite restoration can yield better clinical results . For more conservative and effective treatment, disinfection instead of complete caries removal has been encouraged. . PAD is an advanced technology utilizing two non-toxic components, a photo-activating liquid and a LED light source that selectively target and abolish cariogenic bacteria and periodontal pathogens . The usage of PAD in caries management can eradicate residual bacteria in soft dentin, reassures rapid healing and improve the prognosis of treatment .