In this study, 138 patients will be randomized to two groups. All patients will have a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis with normal apical tissues. The groups will be root canal treatment and vital pulp therapy (VPT). The patients will be followed clinically and radiographically for 2 years following the treatment. Predictors of the outcome of VPT will be clinical and laboratory-based parameters.
This project addresses a central question within the practice of dentistry: What is the optimal treatment of carious pulp exposure, in a tooth with a vital pulp and normal periapex. In addition, the project seeks to identify clinical and laboratory findings that would be predictive of success of vital pulp therapy.