Comparing complete versus selective removal of deep tooth decay to protect the tooth nerve and control pain
Official title: Effects of Total and Selective Caries Removal - Requiring or Avoiding Vital Pulp Therapy - on Pulp Vitality and Postoperative Pain in Deep Carious Mature Permanent Teeth: A Split-Mouth Clinical Study
Run by Cukurova University · NCT07041905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether completely removing all decayed tooth tissue or leaving some infected dentin better preserves the tooth nerve and reduces pain in people aged 15 and older with two similar deep cavities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cukurova University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Adana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07041905 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
People aged 15 or older who have two similar deep, restorable permanent teeth that respond to cold testing, have no spontaneous pain or periapical radiolucency, and can attend 6- and 12-month follow-ups are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with spontaneous pain, necrotic or non-restorable teeth, periapical radiolucency, uncontrolled systemic disease, pregnancy, or allergy to dental materials are unlikely to benefit from this comparison.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a split‑mouth trial enrolling patients aged 15 and older who have bilateral deep carious mature permanent teeth that test vital and show no spontaneous pain or periapical radiolucency. Each participant receives total caries removal on one tooth and selective caries removal on the matching tooth, with outcomes compared within the same person. Primary outcomes are pulp vitality (cold sensitivity) and patient‑reported postoperative pain, with follow‑ups at 6 and 12 months. The protocol will document whether selective removal lowers the risk of pulp exposure and helps maintain pulp health compared with complete removal.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could help more teeth keep their healthy nerve, reducing the need for root canal treatment and lowering postoperative pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials and randomized studies have shown that selective caries removal can reduce pulp exposures and help preserve pulp vitality, so this approach has supportive evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged ≥15 years with bilateral deep carious mature permanent teeth. * Positive vitality test (cold sensitivity). * No spontaneous pain or periapical radiolucency. * Willingness to attend 6- and 12-month follow-ups Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled systemic diseases Pregnancy or allergy to dental materials used Teeth with irreversible pulpitis (spontaneous pain, necrosis) Non-restorable teeth (fractures, extensive decay)
Where it's running
-
Cukurova University
Adana, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zehra Zehra Susgun Yıldırım, Principal investigator
- Email: susgunzehra@gmail.com
- Phone: 0553 454 1123
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.