Comparative Evaluation of Melatonin Versus MTA on Vital Pulp Therapy in Young Permanent First Molars: An in Vivo Study

The process of dental caries is dynamic and can be either reversible or irreversible depending on the balance between protective and pathologic factors in the oral cavity. Untreated dental caries causes pulpal injury, inflammation, and necrosis. Melatonin plays an essential role in the regulation of bone growth. The actions that melatonin exerts on odontoblasts may be similar to its action on osteoblasts.

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the pulp response of young permanent first molars after apexogenesis procedure, using melatonin versus MTA clinically and radiographically. This study will be performed on 45 young permanent first molars that will be divided equally into three groups according to the material used following apexogenesis; GroupI: MTA, GroupII: Melatonin and GroupIII: MTA and Melatonin. apexogenesis procedures will be carried out in children aged 6 to 8 years old. This will be followed by placement of MTA or/and Melatonin material as a sub base in the pulp chamber according to the group. Then, placement of a conventional glass ionomer cement (FUGI IX) as a permanent restoration will be conducted. Then, an immediate postoperative periapical digital x-ray film will be taken for the patients. The patient follow-up will be assigned 1,3,6,9 and 12 months after treatment.