What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to compare the effectiveness of autologous demineralized dentin coagulum against calcium hydroxide in forming dentin bridges and preserving pulp vitality.

March 28, 2026Open Access

Clinical, radiographic and cone-beam computed tomography assessment of the efficacy of dentin coagulum: An innovative autologous pulp capping strategy

Key Points

The study aims to compare the effectiveness of autologous demineralized dentin coagulum against calcium hydroxide in forming dentin bridges and preserving pulp vitality.
Enrolled 74 patients aged 18–30 with deep carious lesions in vital molars.
Teeth were randomly assigned to receive either calcium hydroxide or autologous demineralized dentin.
Evaluations included clinical checks and radiographic assessment via cone-beam computed tomography every three months for 12 months.
Group B showed a significantly lower mean dentin bridge score after 12 months compared to Group A.
Dentin thickness in Group B reduced more than in Group A over the same period.
Pulp vitality was preserved better in Group B, with only 4.1% showing non-vital teeth compared to 8.1% in Group A.

Abstract

Objectives: (i) To compare and assess, using radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), the dentin bridge formation achieved by autologous demineralized dentin coagulum (ADDC) versus calcium hydroxide in vital pulp therapy. (ii) To compare the ability of both materials in maintaining pulpal vitality over a 12-month period. Methods: A total of 74 patients (aged 18–30 years) with two or more deep carious lesions approximating the pulp in vital molars, and without periradicular pathology, were enrolled. Following clinical and radiographic evaluation, teeth were randomly assigned to: Group A: Calcium hydroxide (control) Group B: Autologous demineralized dentin matrix (test). For Group B, autologous dentin obtained from an indicated extraction or undermined tooth was processed using a dentin grinder, demineralized, and applied over the pulp exposure site before restoration. Patients were reviewed every three months for one year, with vitality testing and radiographic evaluation of dentin bridge formation. Dentin bridge thickness was quantified radiographically and by CBCT at 12 months. Data were analyzed using the Friedman test (p < 0.001 considered significant). Results: Dentin Bridge Formation: Group A: Mean dentin bridge score decreased from 4.00 (baseline) to 3.23 at 12 months (χ 2 = 81.8, p < 0.001) Group B: Mean dentin bridge score decreased from 4.00 (baseline) to 1.82 at 12 months (χ 2 = 221.0, p < 0.001). Dentin Thickness Group A: Mean thickness decreased from 4.00 to 3.08 at 12 months (χ 2 = 92.4, p < 0.001) Group B: Mean thickness decreased from 4.00 to 1.69 at 12 months (χ 2 = 228.9, p < 0.001). Pulp Vitality Group A: 8.1% non-vital teeth Group B: 4.1% non-vital teeth Conclusions: Autologous demineralized dentin coagulum demonstrated superior clinical performance compared with calcium hydroxide, resulting in thicker and more continuous dentin bridge formation and higher rates of pulp vitality preservation. Given its rich content of bioactive molecules, stem cells, and growth factors, ADDC represents a promising biomimetic approach for regenerative vital pulp therapy.

Clinical, radiographic and cone-beam computed tomography assessment of the efficacy of dentin coagulum: An innovative autologous pulp capping strategy

Key Points

Abstract

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