Effects of Total and Selective Caries Removal - Requiring or Avoiding Vital Pulp Therapy - on Pulp Vitality and Postoperative Pain in Deep Carious Mature Permanent Teeth: A Split-Mouth Clinical Study

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged ≥15 years with bilateral deep carious mature permanent teeth. * Positive vitality test (cold sensitivity). * No spontaneous pain or periapical radiolucency. * Willingness to attend 6- and 12-month follow-ups Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled systemic diseases Pregnancy or allergy to dental materials used Teeth with irreversible pulpitis (spontaneous pain, necrosis) Non-restorable teeth (fractures, extensive decay)