Background:

Indirect pulp capping (IPC) is a conservative approach used to manage deep carious lesions in primary teeth while preserving pulp vitality. Calcium hydroxide has traditionally been used as the standard liner, but silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has recently emerged as a potential alternative due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to arrest caries.

Methods:

This randomized controlled clinical trial included 56 primary molars from children aged 3 to 7 years with deep carious lesions but no signs of irreversible pulp involvement. Participants were randomly assigned to receive IPC with either calcium hydroxide (Dycal) or 30% SDF. All teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 3 and 6 months, and radiographic evaluation was performed at 6 months. Success was defined by the absence of pain, pathological changes in the gingiva, or radiographic signs of pulp pathology.
Conclusion:
Silver diamine fluoride demonstrated similar clinical and radiographic effectiveness to calcium hydroxide for IPC in primary molars. It may be considered a suitable alternative, particularly in situations where ease of use and antimicrobial activity are prioritized.