Comparing MTA and Biodentine for treating children's teeth

Clinical and Radiographic Success of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) vs Septodont Biodentine in Primary Molars in Pulpotomy and Indirect Pulp Cap Treatments

Phase 4 Interventional Geisinger Clinic · NCT04863222

This study is testing whether two different treatments for children's tooth issues, MTA and Biodentine, work better for saving baby teeth in kids aged 2 to 12.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment646 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorGeisinger Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Danville, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT04863222 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective interventional study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of two medicaments, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine, in vital pulp therapy for primary molars in children aged 2 to 12. The study employs a randomized split-mouth design, where each child will receive one treatment on one side of their mouth and the other treatment on the opposite side. Participants will be monitored for clinical and radiographic outcomes every six months for three years following the procedures. The research is conducted in accordance with the standards set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry at Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 2 to 12 with bilateral symptomatic or asymptomatic vital primary molars requiring pulpotomy or indirect pulp cap treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with irreversible pulpitis, necrotic pulp, or non-restorable molars will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more cost-effective and less discoloring alternative to MTA for vital pulp therapy in children.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on Biodentine, the study's approach of comparing it with MTA in pediatric dental care is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female patients ages of 2 to ≤12 years.
* Bilateral symptomatic or asymptomatic vital primary molars with caries approximating or into the pulp.
* Patient who need a pulpotomy and/or indirect pulp cap treatments in two or more quadrants.
* Parents of patients who can provide consent in English.
* Patients who need treatment in an operating room setting at Geisinger.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pre-operative radiographic or clinical symptoms associated with irreversible pulpitis or necrotic pulp.
* Radiographs not displaying furcation region of the tooth.
* Patients with cardiac conditions who need prophylaxis for infective Endocarditis.
* Patients with any type of cancer in the past or present.
* Non-restorable molars.

Where this trial is running

Danville, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Indirect Pulp CapPulpotomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.