Recruiting

Direct Pulp Capping Treatment for Deep Tooth Decay in Back Teeth

Plain-English translation of NCT07578662 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing direct pulp capping, a procedure that aims to save a tooth with deep decay by applying a special material directly to the exposed nerve tissue. The study wants to understand whether this treatment works better when the cavity is on the side of a back tooth (lower jaw) versus the top of the tooth, in cases where the nerve shows early signs of irritation but not permanent damage.

Deep cavities that reach the nerve are normally treated by removing the entire nerve (root canal therapy). However, saving the nerve is more conservative and preserves the tooth's natural function. This trial exists because it's unclear whether the location of the cavity—side versus top—affects whether the nerve can successfully heal after this saving treatment.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have a permanent back tooth in your lower jaw with extremely deep decay that goes all the way through the hard part of the tooth
you have reversible pulpitis, meaning your tooth hurts when exposed to cold or sweet stimuli but the pain stops within seconds after the trigger is removed
your tooth responds normally to cold and electrical tests, and the nerve bleeds when the cavity is cleaned out
your tooth has no signs of permanent nerve damage, no abscess or infection at the tooth root, and your gums are healthy
the exposed nerve opening is between 0.5 and 1 millimeter in size

You likely don't qualify if…

you have permanent nerve damage (irreversible pulpitis) or an infection at the tooth root
your tooth decay was caused by trauma or injury
you have gum disease or other periodontal problems
you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have serious systemic illnesses
bleeding cannot be stopped within 5 minutes after the cavity is cleaned

What participation looks like

If you qualify, you will receive the direct pulp capping procedure at the dental clinic. The dentist will clean out the decay, apply a special capping material to the exposed nerve, and seal the cavity. You will then be monitored for pain and healing through follow-up visits and examinations at 7 days, 6 months, and 12 months, with X-rays taken at 6 and 12 months to check that the tooth has healed properly.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 31, 2026 · Not medical advice

Direct Pulp Capping Treatment for Deep Tooth Decay in Back Teeth

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)