Using pulpal blood biomarkers to predict success of vital pulp therapy in symptomatic teeth
Official title: Efficacy of Metabolic Biomarkers in Predicting Twelve-Month Outcomes of Vital Pulp Treatment in Symptomatic Teeth With Carious Pulp Exposure: A Controlled Clinical Trial
Run by University of Baghdad · NCT07452614 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether measuring metabolic biomarkers in pulpal blood at the time of carious pulp exposure can help predict 12-month success of vital pulp treatment in people aged 16–50 with symptomatic deep caries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Baghdad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baghdad) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | October 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07452614 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients aged 16–50 with symptomatic permanent teeth and deep carious pulp exposure that are restorable, without periodontitis or systemic disease, who can consent and comply with follow-up.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients unlikely to benefit include those with nonvital teeth (negative cold test), unrestorable or large defects needing RCT for esthetic reasons, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those who recently used certain medications, or those unable to provide an adequate pulpal blood sample or complete follow-up.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective controlled clinical trial collects pulpal blood at the moment of carious pulp exposure from symptomatic permanent teeth undergoing vital pulp therapy (partial or full pulpotomy). Samples are analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify metabolic biomarkers. Clinical and radiographic outcomes are recorded at 12 months to determine treatment success. The goal is to find objective, measurable markers that can improve pulpal diagnosis and guide clinicians when choosing vital pulp therapy versus other treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could give dentists an objective test at the time of exposure to better predict which teeth will do well with vital pulp therapy and reduce unnecessary root canal treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Some preliminary biomarker work in pulp biology shows promise, but using pulpal metabolic profiles by HPLC to predict vital pulp therapy outcomes is a relatively novel approach that is not yet validated in large trials.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age range of 16-50 years. 2. Pulp exposure during treatment of deep caries. 3. Absence of periodontitis or systemic disease. 4. Only one or two proximal surfaces lost with remaining walls \> 2 mm; and 5. Good compliance and signed informed consent forms. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded: 2. Teeth with unrestorable large defects or the need for RCT for aesthetic reasons; 3. Teeth with a negative response to cold testing 4. Current pregnancy or breastfeeding; 5. Poor compliance or inability to complete the trial. 6. The use of medications, including antibiotics, bisphosphonates, or statins, within 3 weeks before the study. 7. Inadequate blood sample collection after pulpal exposure.
Where it's running
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College of dentistry\ University of Baghdad
Baghdad, Iraq Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Abeer G Abdulkhaliq — College of dentistry\ University of Baghdad
- Study coordinator: Abeer G Abdulkhaliq, master degree
- Email: abeer.ghalib@codental.uobaghdad.edu.iq
- Phone: 964+7755564526
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Evaluating the success of vital pulp therapy methods for dental pulp exposure
This study is testing different ways to treat exposed dental pulp to see which methods work best for adults with teeth that can be saved.
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Direct pulp capping for deep and extremely deep caries in mature molars with reversible pulpitis
This study tests whether direct pulp capping works similarly for deep versus extremely deep caries in adult, mature mandibular molars with reversible pulpitis.
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Buffered vs conventional local anesthesia for pain and anxiety during dental treatment in children with pulpitis
This study tests whether buffered local anesthesia reduces pain and anxiety for school-aged children needing dental treatment for pulpitis.
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Direct pulp capping in lower molars with side (proximal) versus top (occlusal) cavities: does the cavity location matter?
This research will test whether direct pulp capping works as well for lower molars with side (proximal) cavities as for those with top (occlusal) cavities in people aged 15–40 who have reversible pulpitis.
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Laser versus conventional pulpotomy for mature molars with irreversible pulpitis
This trial will test two types of laser-assisted pulpotomy against conventional pulpotomy in adults with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in permanent molars to see which reduces pain and improves healing.
-
Pulpotomy versus root canal treatment for extremely deep caries
This study tests whether full pulpotomy works as well as root canal treatment for people aged 12 and older with extremely deep caries treated in a university dental clinic.
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.