An Assessment on pH and Calcium Release of Dycal, Limelite and Biodentine as Cavity Liners

Introduction: Indirect pulp treatment is performed on a deep carious tooth that is close to the pulp followed by the placement of a protective layer. The protective layer should promote new reparative dentin. Aims & Objectives: To compare and assess the pH and calcium release of Dycal, Lime lite and Biodentine. Materials and Methods: Standardized class 1 cavities were prepared on 36 extracted molars with the excision of pulp. The remaining dentin thickness was maintained from both the coronal and pulpal sides. Nail varnish was applied on all the external surfaces. Samples were divided into 3 equal halves with 12 teeth each. They were treated with an indirect pulp capping procedure by using Dycal, Lime lite and Biodentine. Samples were placed in reverse osmosis water and subjected for pH analysis and assessment of calcium ion release at 3 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. Results: The pH analysis after 3 hours showed a significant difference among the 3 groups. There was a significant difference in pH change when compared between Biodentine and Lime lite and no differences between Biodentine and Dycal. The highest calcium ion release was observed with Biodentine at 3, 24, 48 hours. The difference in the amount of calcium released after 24 and 48 hours between the materials Biodentine and Dycal, and Biodentine and Lime lite was statistically significant. Conclusion: Biodentine demonstrated superior bioactivity than Dycal and Limelite in terms of calcium ion release, and there was no significant variation in pH between the three materials.