A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the success of different protective liners after performing selective caries removal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/biid.v12.45221Keywords:
Calcium hydroxide, dental caries, dental pulp, silicates, vital pulp therapyAbstract
Aim: This systematic review appraised clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of various protective liners on preserving pulp vitality after selective caries removal.
Methods: This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis principles. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Study Design (PICOS)strategy was intended to encompass individuals with deep carious lesions in permanent teeth. Studies comparing the efficacy of calcium hydroxide with glass ionomer cement (GIC) or resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or Biodentine or Theracal on pulp vitality after selective caries removal having 1 year of follow-up were included.
Results: After full-text analysis, eight studies (n = 8 trials, 678 teeth) were included. The results of meta-analysis of seven studies indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between RMGIC and calcium hydroxide (risk ratio [RR] = 0.98; 95% Confidence limits (CL) = 0.92 to 1.06; P = 0.68), Biodentine and calcium hydroxide (RR = 1.05; 95% CL = 0.94 to 1.18; P = 0.40), Theracal and calcium hydroxide (RR = 1.02 ; 95% CL = 0.97 to 1.07; P = 0.48) and MTA and calcium hydroxide (RR = 1.13; 95% CL = 0.95 to 1.34; P = 0.17). Sensitivity analysis also showed no significant difference between Theracal and calcium hydroxide. Heterogeneity was moderate for comparison between MTA and calcium hydroxide (I² = 54%). Two studies were with low risk of bias, and six studies were classified as having some concerns. Evidence ranged from very low to moderate.
Conclusion: There were no differences in clinical outcomes between RMGIC and calcium hydroxide, Biodentine and calcium hydroxide, Theracal and calcium hydroxide and MTA and calcium hydroxide. Thus, the findings suggest that treatment success is not significantly influenced by the type of protective liner employed.
Downloads
References
Frencken JE, Peters MC, Manton DJ, Leal SC, Gordan VV, Eden E. Minimal intervention dentistry for managing dental caries – a review: report of a FDI task group. Int Dent J. 2012;62:223–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12007
Al-Ali M, Camilleri J. The scientific management of deep carious lesions in vital teeth using contemporary materials – a narrative review. Front Dent Med. 2022;3:1048137. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2022.1048137 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2022.1048137
Maltz M, Oliveira EF, Fontanella V, Carminatti G. Deep caries lesions after incomplete dentine caries removal: 40-month follow-up study. Caries Res. 2007;41(6):493–6. https://doi.org/10.1159/000109349 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000109349
Widbiller M, Weiler R, Knüttel H, Galler KM, Buchalla W, Scholz KJ. Biology of selective caries removal: a systematic scoping review protocol. BMJ Open. 2022;12:e061119. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061119 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061119
Maltz M, Jardim JJ, Mestrinho HD, Yamaguti PM, Podestá K, Moura MS, et al. Partial removal of carious dentine: a multicenter randomized controlled trial and 18-month follow-up results. Caries Res. 2013;47:103–9. https://doi.org/10.1159/000344013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000344013
Figundio N, Lopes P, Tedesco TK, Fernandes JCH, Fernandes GVO, Mello-Moura ACV. Deep carious lesions management with stepwise, selective, or non-selective removal in permanent dentition: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Healthcare (Basel). 2023;11:2338. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11162338 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11162338
Fraser J, MacInnes A. Which caries removal method to select? Evid Based Dent. 2024;25:29–30. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-024-00973-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-024-00973-0
Yao Y, Luo A, Hao Y. Selective versus stepwise removal of deep carious lesions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Dent Sci. 2023;18:17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2022.07.021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2022.07.021
Estrela C, Holland R. Calcium hydroxide: study based on scientific evidences. J Appl Oral Sci. 2003;11:269–82. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-77572003000400002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-77572003000400002
Arandi NZ. Calcium hydroxide liners: a literature review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2017;9:67–72. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S141381 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S141381
Sidhu SK, Nicholson JW. A review of glass-ionomer cements for clinical dentistry. J Funct Biomater. 2016;7:16. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb7030016 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb7030016
Palmer G, Anstice HM, Pearson GJ. The effect of curing regime on the release of hydroxethyl methacylate (HEMA) from resin-modified glass-ionomer cements. J Dent. 1999;27:303–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0300-5712(98)00058-X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0300-5712(98)00058-X
Kan KC, Messer LB, Messer HH. Variability in cytotoxicity and fluoride release of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements. J Dent Res. 1997;76:1502–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345970760081301 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345970760081301
Parirokh M, Torabinejad M. Mineral trioxide aggregate: a comprehensive literature review – part I: chemical, physical, and antibacterial properties. J Endod. 2010;36:16–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.09.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.09.006
Malkondu Ö, Karapinar Kazandağ M, Kazazoğlu E. A review on biodentine, a contemporary dentine replacement and repair material. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:160951. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/160951 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/160951
Arandi NZ, Rabi T, TheraCal LC: from biochemical and bioactive properties to clinical applications. Int J Dent. 2018;2018:3484653. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3484653 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3484653
Meraji N, Camilleri J. Bonding over dentin replacement materials. J Endod. 2017 Aug;43:1343–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2017.03.025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2017.03.025
Jeanneau C, Laurent P, Rombouts C, Giraud T, About I. Light-cured tricalcium silicate toxicity to the dental pulp. J Endod. 2017;43:2074–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2017.07.010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2017.07.010
Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Int J Surg. 2021;88:105906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.105906 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.105906
Sterne JAC, Savović J, Page MJ, Elbers RG, Blencowe NS, Boutron I, et al. RoB 2: a revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ. 2019;366:l4898. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l4898 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l4898
Zhang Y, Akl EA, Schünemann HJ. Using systematic reviews in guideline development: the GRADE approach. Res Synth Methods. 2019;10(3): 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1002/jrsm.1313 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jrsm.1313
Higgins J, Green S, eds. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. 2008. p. S38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470712184
Sterne JAC, Egger M, Moher D. Addressing reporting biases. In: Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Julian PT Higgins and Sally Green, Cochrane Book Series, Chichester. 2008. p. 297–333. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470712184.ch10
Singh S, Mittal S, Tewari S. Effect of different liners on pulpal outcome after partial caries removal: a preliminary 12 months randomised controlled trial. Caries Res. 2019;53:547–54. https://doi.org/10.1159/000499131 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000499131
Kaul S, Kumar A, Jasrotia A, Gorkha K, Kumari S, Jeri SY. Comparative analysis of biodentine, calcium hydroxide, and 2% chlorhexidine with resin-modified glass ionomer cement as indirect pulp capping materials in young permanent molars. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2021;22:511–6. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3084 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3084
Rahman B, Goswami M. Comparative evaluation of indirect pulp therapy in young permanent teeth using biodentine and theracal: a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2021;45:158–64. https://doi.org/10.17796/1053-4625-45.3.3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17796/1053-4625-45.3.3
Betamar N. Evaluation of the success rate of indirect pulp capping treatment using different materials: a clinical study. SOJUOB. 2020;33: 1–16. https://doi.org/10.37376/sjuob.v33i2.7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37376/sjuob.v33i2.7
Semprum-Clavier A, Rodriguez A, Salazar D, Afshari F, Manzotti A, Saleh-Hassan L, et al. Clinical comparison of three indirect pulp capping restorative protocols: a randomized controlled prospective study. Oper Dent. 2024;49:11–9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2341/22-094-C
Hashem D, Mannocci F, Patel S, Manoharan A, Brown JE, Watson TF, et al. Clinical and radiographic assessment of the efficacy of calcium silicate indirect pulp capping: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Dent Res. 2015;94:562–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034515571415 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034515571415
Koc Vural U, Kiremitci A, Gokalp S. Randomized clinical trial to evaluate MTA indirect pulp capping in deep caries lesions after 24-months. Oper Dent. 2017;42:470–7. https://doi.org/10.2341/16-110-C DOI: https://doi.org/10.2341/16-110-C
Sultana R, Hossain M, Alam MS. Evaluation of clinical and radiological outcomes of mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide as indirect pulp capping agents in the treatment of deep carious lesion of permanent teeth. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Med Univ J. 2016;9:140–5. https://doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v9i3.29462 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v9i3.29462
Schwendicke F, Tu YK, Hsu LY, Göstemeyer G. Antibacterial effects of cavity lining: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Dent. 2015;43:1298–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2015.07.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2015.07.001
Da Rosa WL, Lima VP, Moraes RR, Piva E, Da Silva AF. Is a calcium hydroxide liner necessary in the treatment of deep caries lesions? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Endod J. 2019;52:588–603. https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13034 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.13034
Tyas MJ. Pulp protection under restorations – do you need a liner? Aust Endod J. 1998;24:104–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-4477.1998.tb00029.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-4477.1998.tb00029.x
Brännström M. Communication between the oral cavity and the dental pulp associated with restorative treatment. Oper Dent. 1984 Spring;9:57–68.
Phillips RW, Crim G, Swartz ML, Clark HE. Resistance of calcium hydroxide preparations to solubility in phosphoric acid. J Prosthet Dent. 1984;52:358–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3913(84)90444-X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3913(84)90444-X
Laurent P, Camps J, About I. Biodentine (TM) induces TGF-b1 release from human pulp cells and early dental pulp mineralization. Int Endod J. 2012;45:439–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2011.01995.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2011.01995.x
Selvendran KE, Ahamed AS, Krishnamurthy M, Kumar VN, Raju VG. Comparison of three different materials used for indirect pulp capping in permanent molars: an in vivo study. J Conserv Dent. 2022 Jan-Feb;25:68–71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jcd.jcd_551_21
Mahmoud SH, El-Negoly SA, Zaen El-Din AM, El-Zekrid MH, Grawish LM, Grawish HM, et al. Biodentine versus mineral trioxide aggregate as a direct pulp capping material for human mature permanent teeth – a systematic review. J Conserv Dent. 2018 Sep-Oct;21:466–73. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCD.JCD_198_18 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/JCD.JCD_198_18
Kayahan MB, Nekoofar MH, Kazandağ M, Canpolat C, Malkondu O, Kaptan F, et al. Effect of acid-etching procedure on selected physical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate. Int Endod J. 2009;42:1004–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2009.01610.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.2009.01610.x
Fatima A, İftekhar H, Alam S, Tewari RK, Andrabi MU. Comparative evaluations of shear bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and calcium-enriched mixture to bulk-fill flowable composite using three different adhesive systems: an in vitro study. J Conserv Dent Endod. 2024;27:706–13. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_192_24 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_192_24
Tsujimoto M, Tsujimoto Y, Ookubo A, Shiraishi T, Watanabe I, Yamada S, et al. Timing for composite resin placement on mineral trioxide aggregate. J Endod 2013;39:1167–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2013.06.009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2013.06.009
Akter R, Moral MA, Asaduszaman M, Hossain M. The radiographic outcome of biodentine and calcium hydroxide as indirect pulp capping agent in the management of deep caries. Int J Med Sci. 2023;10:20–4. https://doi.org/10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V10I1P104 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V10I1P104
Coll JA, Dhar V, Guelmann M, Crystal YO, Chen CY, Marghalani AA, et al. Vital pulp therapy in permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Pediatr Dent. 2025 May 15;47(3):137–50.
Patankar VR, Jain AK, Rao R, Rao P, Langade D, Sachdev SS, et al. Effect of liners on pulpal outcome after partial caries removal in permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cureus. 2025 Feb 10;17(2):e78831. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78831 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78831
Baranwal HC, Mittal N, Samad S, Ayubi A, Aggarwal H, Kharat SM. Comparative evaluation of dual-cure resin (TheraCal PT) and Biodentine in coronal pulpotomy of patients with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial. J Conserv Dent Endod. 2024 Aug;27:822–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_280_24 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_280_24
Salgar AR, Singh SH, Podar RS, Kulkarni GP, Babel SN. Determining predictability and accuracy of thermal and electrical dental pulp tests: an in vivo study. J Conserv Dent. 2017 Jan-Feb;20:46–9. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-0707.209067 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-0707.209067
Seltzer S, Bender IB, Ziontz M. The dynamics of pulp inflammation: correlations between diagnostic data and actual histologic findings in the pulp. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1963;16:969–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/0030-4220(63)90201-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0030-4220(63)90201-9
Pedrotti D, Cavalheiro CP, Casagrande L, de Araujo FB, Imparato JC, de Oliveira Rocha R, et al. Does selective carious tissue removal of soft dentin increase the restorative failure risk in primary teeth? Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Dent Assoc. 2019;150:582–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2019.02.018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2019.02.018
Yoshiyama M, Tay FR, Doi J, Nishitani Y, Yamada T, Itou K, et al. Bonding of self-etch and total-etch adhesives to carious dentin. J Dent Res. 2002;81:556–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/154405910208100811 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/154405910208100811
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Vaishnavi Patankar, Ashish K. Jain, Rahul D. Rao, Laresh N. Mistry, Deepakkumar Langade

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Biomaterial Investigations in Dentistry is a Diamond Open Access peer-reviewed journal, publishing research in oral biomaterials science. The publishing of articles is free for authors, thanks to the support of Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Society (AOSS), a not-for-profit society. 
