Formation of a hard tissue barrier after pulp cappings in humans. A systematic review

AIM

To evaluate the evidence on the formation of a hard tissue barrier after pulp capping in humans.

METHODOLOGY

A PubMed and CENTRAL literature search with specific indexing terms and a hand search were made. The authors assessed the level of evidence of each publication as high, moderate or low. Based on this, the evidence grade of the conclusions was rated as strong, moderately strong, limited or insufficient.

RESULTS

The initial search process resulted in a total of 171 publications. After reading the abstracts and hand searching the reference lists of the retrieved publications, 107 studies were retrieved in full-text and interpreted. After the interpretation, 21 studies remained and were included in the systematic review and given a level of evidence. No study had a high level of evidence, one study had moderate and 20 studies had a low level of evidence. There was heterogeneity between the studies; therefore, no meta-analysis was performed. The majority of studies on pulp capping using calcium hydroxide based materials reported formation of hard tissue bridging, studies on other pulp capping materials such as bonding agents presented inferior results. The evidence grade was insufficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Insufficient evidence grade does not necessarily imply that there is no effect of a pulp capping procedure or that it should not be used. Rather, the insufficient evidence underpins the need for high-quality studies.

Clinical evaluation of atraumatic restorations in primary molars: a comparison between 2 glass ionomer cements

Dental caries continues to be a highly prevalent disease among Brazilian preschoolers, especially those with low socioeconomic status. The purpose of this randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate in vivo 245 simplified restorations in deciduous molars using glass ionomer cements (Vidrion R and Ketac-Molar). Dental restorations were evaluated at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The teeth restored with Vidrion R (SS White) on a single tooth surface were successful in 87% of the cases evaluated at 6 months and in 63% at 12 months. The teeth restored with Ketac-Molar on one surface achieved a success rate of 95% at 6 months and 82% at 12 months. No recurrent caries or pulpal infection was evident. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that teeth with cavities restricted to the occlusal surface on sclerotic dentin showed the best adhesion to the restorative material. The restorations with Ketac-Molar had a better clinical performance than those with Vidrion R.

Direct Pulp Capping with a Dentin Bonding System in Human Teeth: A Clinical and Histological Evaluation

This study evaluated the pulpal response in human dental pulp to direct pulp capping with the Single Bond Adhesive System (SBAS) after 10% or 37% phosphoric acid etching and after capping with Calcium Hydroxide (CH). The degree of bleeding and hemostasis conditions was considered during the adhesive technique. The pulps of 78 sound premolars were capped with SBAS after 37% phosphoric acid etching (Group I) or 10% phosphoric acid etching (Group II) and CH (Group III-control). The cavities were restored with a resin composite (Charisma). After 1, 3, 7 and 30 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for light microscopical examination (H/E, AgNOR silver stain and Brown-Brenn). The patients were followed for postoperative symptomatology evaluation. Clinical results showed the possibility of hemostasis with saline solution only. There was no statistical difference between bleeding generated by 10% and 37% acid solutions. In some cases, contact of the pulp tissue with SASB started the bleeding process, thus damaging the adhesive technique. The histological response was similar in Groups I and II, without signs of cellular differentiation and dentin neoformation up to 30 days. Bacteria were not observed in any specimens. In the control group (CH) at day 7, the pulps exhibited cells with high synthetic activity (Ag-NOR-positive) underneath the area of coagulation necrosis. Dentin bridging was observed at the thirtieth day. The postoperative period was asymptomatic for all groups. In conclusion, SBAS should be avoided for vital pulp therapy, while CH remains the capping agent of choice for mechanically exposed human dental pulp.

[Effect of acid etching time on bonding interface of non-carious cervical sclerotic dentin]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of acid etching time on the bonding interface of non-carious cervical sclerotic dentin.

METHODS

Twenty extracted premolars with non-carious cervical lesions were randomly divided into two groups, the lesion surface was conditioned with Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus dentin bonding system. The etching time was 15 s and 30 s respectively. The bonding interface ultrastructures were compared with SEM.

RESULTS

In sclerotic dentin (15 s), the hybrid layer was visible, with minimal resin tags in the dentinal tubules and, when presented, they were shorter. Doubling the etching time (30 s) resulted in more resin tags with an hybrid layer formation on peritubular dentin.

CONCLUSION

Doubling the etching time improved the ultrastructure of sclerotic dentin-resin bonding interface, and could be an efficient way to improve the bonding effect.

Hardness and Young's modulus of transparent dentin associated with aging and carious disease

This study investigated the changes in hardness and Young's modulus of the transparent layer of dentin associated with aging and the carious process. Eighteen extracted human molars with or without coronal caries were used in this study. The normal teeth were divided into two groups by age, and the carious teeth were divided into two groups of active or arrested caries. After polishing the specimens parallel to the long axis of the tooth, both hardness and Young's modulus were measured using a nanoindentation tester. The hardness and Young's modulus of the transparent layer in aged dentin were higher than the other portions of aged dentin. The transparent layer under carious lesions had a significantly lower hardness than the underlying normal dentin, whereas its Young's modulus was not significantly reduced. The hardness and Young's modulus of the transparent layer in active carious lesions were lower than those in arrested carious lesions.

Histological analysis of rat dental pulp tissue capped with propolis

The aim of the present study was to assess the response of rat dental pulp to direct pulp capping with propolis. Flavonoid and non-flavonoid materials were purified from an ethanol extract of propolis obtained from South Sulawesi, Indonesia. A Class I cavity was prepared on the occlusal surface of the right maxillary first molar in Sprague Dawley rats. The dental pulp was exposed and then capped with a zinc oxide-based filler as a control (group I), or with propolis flavonoids (group II) or non-flavonoids (group III). The animals were sacrificed at week 1, 2 or 4, biopsy samples were obtained, and these were stained and viewed by light microscopy. The results showed that pulp inflammation occurred in groups I and III as early as week 1. No dentin bridge formation was seen in these groups. In contrast, there was no evident inflammatory response in group II at week 1. Mild and moderate pulp inflammation in this group occurred at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, respectively. Partial dentinal bridge formation was seen in group II at week 4. Therefore, the present results suggest that direct pulp capping with propolis flavonoids in rats may delay dental pulp inflammation and stimulate reparative dentin.

Effects of an experimentally developed adhesive resin system and CO2 laser irradiation on direct pulp capping

This study examined the wound healing process of rat pulp directly capped with various experimentally developed adhesive resin systems and treated with CO2 laser irradiation. The experimental adhesive resins used in this study were made from Clearfil Mega Bond (MB). The adhesive resin groups were capped with a combination of the following primers and bonding agents: commercially available MB primer (MBP), experimental MB primer containing 2wt% N-methacryloyl 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-NMSA: MP3) and 5wt% 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB: ABP); and commercially available MB bonding agent (MBB), experimental MB bonding agent containing 5wt% and 10wt% hydroxyl-calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite: MB1, MB2) and 5wt% dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (brushite: MB3) as a reparative dentin-promoter. The combination of the three primers and four bonding agents yielded the 12 adhesive resin groups used in this study. The CO2 laser group was irradiated with a laser and directly capped with MB. The CO2 laser used was an Opelaser 03S II SP, and irradiation conditions were as follows: a power output of 0.5 W, superpulse mode 1, repeat pulse mode (a cycle of 10 msec irradiation and 10 msec interval), defocused beam (approximately distance 20 mm from pulp exposure surface) and an irradiation time of three seconds, with air cooling. The control group was capped with Dycal (DY) and MB. After the direct pulp capping procedures were undertaken, all cavities were restored with Clearfil AP-X resin composite. The rats were sacrificed on the 14th post-operative day. The specimens were alternately stained with Mayer's H & E, Hucker-Conn bacterial stain and the ABC method on TGF-beta1. These stained sections were observed using light microscopy and the following parameters were evaluated: pulp tissue disorganization, inflammatory cell infiltration, reparative dentin formation and bacterial penetration. The results of this study include the following: all experimentally developed bonding agent groups showed reparative dentin formation; whereas, the MBB-capped groups showed very little reparative dentin formation. The descending order regarding the amount of reparative dentin formation was MB2 > MB3 > MB1 >>> MBB, which tended to be dependent on the concentration of the blended reparative dentin-promoter. In terms of the quality of the formed dentin, it was observed that MB1-capped teeth tended to form tubular dentin; whereas, MB2- and MB3-capped teeth formed irregular and osteodentin types of dentin. Among the primers used, the descending order regarding the amount of reparative dentin and tubular type dentin formation was MP3 > MBP > ABP. The descending order of migration of macrophages and leukocytes was ABP > MBP > MP3. The CO2 laser group showed a very irregular fibrous dentin matrix in the vicinity of the denatured and carbonized tissue but definite reparative dentin formation was not observed. The control group showed reparative dentin, which was very thick, compared with the other groups. In all the groups, pulp tissue showed almost normal morphology. Positive staining of TGF-beta1 was only observed slightly in some specimens of all groups. There was no difference in the staining of each group. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that the combination of MP3 (containing 2wt% 5-NMSA) and MB1 (containing 5wt% hydroxyapatite) was effective in initiating an early repair process after direct pulp capping. CO2 laser irradiation is effective for field control, but a longer observation time will be required to determine findings concerning dentin bridge formation.

Raman spectroscopic study of noncarious cervical lesions

The surface of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) consists of sclerosed dentin. This type of dentin may affect the ability of adhesive restorative materials to bond well to its surface, but little information exists on the chemical nature of this dentin surface and how it may be affected during acidic treatment. The inorganic part of normal dentin and dentin from NCCLs before and after acid conditioning with phosphoric acid or polyacrylic acid was investigated. Ten premolars with NCCLs and four human third molars (control) were used. Replicas of NCCLs were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surfaces and longitudinal sections of four NCCLs and control dentin discs were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. The discs and NCCLs were sectioned, and treated with 35% phosphoric acid or 20% polyacrylic acid/3% aluminum chloride, and Raman spectra obtained. The area under phosphate nu1 of the dentin spectrum was computed to obtain a ratio with the area under the second-order spectrum of a silicon phonon comparative standard. Mean phosphate nu1 and silicon phonon ratios from normal dentin and NCCLs were compared using a linear model with repeated measurements and Tukey's pairwise tests. Mean ratios from different locations of the NCCLs were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's pairwise tests. SEM micrographs of NCCL surfaces showed variation from relatively smooth with no dentinal tubule openings to surfaces with occluded tubules. The mean phosphate nu1 and silicon phonon ratios for NCCLs were higher than those of normal dentin in all treatment groups (P < 0.05). Ratios from the untreated specimens were higher than those of the polyacrylic acid-treated specimens, and those for the phosphoric acid-treated group were the lowest (P < 0.05). The ratios obtained for the surfaces of NCCLs were higher than those halfway towards the pulp, and those adjacent to the pulp were the lowest (P < 0.05).

Eighteen-month clinical performance of a self-etching primer in unprepared class V resin restorations

This study evaluated the clinical performance of unprepared Class V resin composites, placed using a self-etching primer and a single-bottle adhesive, over a period of 18 months. Thirty-eight pairs of restorations of Renew hybrid resin composite (BISCO, Inc) were placed using adhesives from the same manufacturer in caries-free cervical erosion/abfraction lesions. Based on insensitivity to air, the dentin in 76% of these lesions was considered to be sclerotic. The restorations were placed without abrasion of tooth surfaces, except for cleaning with plain pumice. One of each pair was placed using Tyrian, a self-etching primer and the other was placed using One-Step, a single-bottle adhesive placed after acid etching. Both the etchant and self-etching primer were applied for 20 seconds. The restorations were clinically evaluated at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months, using modified Ryge/USPHS criteria. For both adhesives, very low retention of 50% to 56% of the restorations was observed over 18 months, leading to the conclusion that tooth surfaces must receive some additional treatment prior to restoration with these adhesives. No statistically significant difference (p=0.75) between the two adhesives was observed in overall performance, and dentinal sclerosis and axial depth did not appear to be important factors in the study.

Response of human pulp capped with a bonding agent after bleeding control with hemostatic agents

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the response of human pulps capped with a bonding agent after bleeding control with different hemostatic agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-five Class II cavities were prepared in 25 caries-free human premolars scheduled for extraction due to orthodontic treatment. The pulp exposures were performed on the occlusal floor. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups. Groups 1-4 were capped with an adhesive system after hemostasis with different agents: Group 1--saline solution; 2--ferric sulfate; 3--2.5% NaOCl; 4--Ca(OH)2 solution. In Group 5, after hemostasis with saline solution, the pulp was capped with calcium hydroxide (control group). Then, ScotchBond Multi Purpose Plus was applied and the resin composite Z-100 placed incrementally according to the manufacturers' directions. After 60 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for light microscopic examination (HE) and the groups were categorized in a histological score system. The data were subjected to a non-parametric test (alpha=0.05).

RESULTS

Overall, the histological features showed that the pulp response from Groups 1 through 4 was inferior to the response from Group 5, where dentin bridging occurred. In all groups, where the adhesive system was used for capping, the pulp response varied from an acute inflammatory, with varying degrees, to necrosis. No dentin bridge was formed after adhesive capping.

What constitutes dental caries? Histopathology of carious enamel and dentin related to the action of cariogenic biofilms

Substantial pH fluctuations within the biofilm on the tooth surface are a ubiquitous and natural phenomenon, taking place at any time during the day and night. The result may be recordable in the dental tissues at only a chemical and/or ultrastructural level (subclinical level). Alternatively, a net loss of mineral leading to dissolution of dental hard tissues may result in a caries lesion that can be seen clinically. Thus, the appearance of the lesion may vary from an initial loss of mineral, seen only in the very surface layers at the ultrastructural level, to total tooth destruction. Regular removal of the biofilm, preferably with a toothpaste containing fluoride, delays or even arrests lesion progression. This can occur at any stage of lesion progression, because it is the biofilm at the tooth or cavity surface that drives the caries process. Active enamel lesions involve surface erosion and subsurface porosity. Inactive or arrested lesions have an abraded surface, but subsurface mineral loss remains, and a true subsurface remineralization is rarely achievable, because the surface zone acts as a diffusion barrier. The dentin reacts to the stimulus in the biofilm by tubular sclerosis and reactionary dentin.

Resin bonding to sclerotic, noncarious, cervical lesions

Noncarious, cervical, wedge-shaped, sclerotic lesions are commonly encountered in clinical practice. In such lesions, dentin has been pathologically altered, often resulting in partial or complete obliteration of the dentinal tubules. These lesions are known to respond to etching and bonding differently from normal dentin, leading to complications during clinical treatment. A search of the literature was performed to obtain background information on the most commonly cited etiologic factors, clinical diagnoses, and morphologic and chemical characterizations along with an extensive review of all potential obstacles to bonding the most recent adhesives to such a dentinal substrate. Recent progress in adaptive strategies to render dentin more receptive to resin bonding is emphasized in this article, and the major drawbacks of these strategies are discussed.

Resin bonding to cervical sclerotic dentin: a review

Several reports have indicated that resin bond strengths to noncarious sclerotic cervical dentine are lower than bonds made to normal dentine. This is thought to be due to tubule occlusion by mineral salts, preventing resin tag formation. The purpose of this review was to critically examine what is known about the structure of this type of dentine. Recent transmission electron microscopy revealed that in addition to occlusion of the tubules by mineral crystals, many parts of wedge-shaped cervical lesions contain a hypermineralised surface that resists the etching action of both self-etching primers and phosphoric acid. This layer prevents hybridisation of the underlying sclerotic dentine. In addition, bacteria are often detected on top of the hypermineralised layer. Sometimes the bacteria were embedded in a partially mineralised matrix. Acidic conditioners and resins penetrate variable distances into these multilayered structures. Examination of both sides of the failed bonds revealed a wide variation in fracture patterns that involved all of these structures. Microtensile bond strengths to the occlusal, gingival and deepest portions of these wedge-shaped lesions were significantly lower than similar areas artificially prepared in normal teeth. When resin bonds to sclerotic dentine are extended to include peripheral sound dentine, their bond strengths are probably high enough to permit retention of class V restorations by adhesion, without additional retention.

Biocompatibility of a flowable composite bonded with a self-etching adhesive compared with a glass lonomer cement and a high copper amalgam

This study evaluated the pulpal response and in-vivo microleakage of a flowable composite bonded with a self-etching adhesive and compared the results with a glass ionomer cement and amalgam. Cervical cavities were prepared in monkey teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups. A self-etching primer system (Imperva FluoroBond, Shofu) was applied to the teeth in one of the experimental groups, and the cavities were filled with a flowable composite (SI-BF-2001-LF, Shofu). In the other groups, a glass ionomer cement (Fuji II, GC) or amalgam (Dispersalloy, Johnson & Johnson) filled the cavity. The teeth were then extracted after 3, 30 and 90 days, fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution and prepared according to routine histological techniques. Five micrometer sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Brown and Brenn gram stain for bacterial observation. No serious inflammatory reaction of the pulp, such as necrosis or abscess formation, was observed in any of the experimental groups. Slight inflammatory cell infiltration was the main initial reaction, while deposition of reparative dentin was the major long-term reaction in all groups. No bacterial penetration along the cavity walls was detected in the flowable composite or glass ionomer cement except for one case at 30 days in the glass ionomer cement. The flowable composite bonded with self-etching adhesive showed an acceptable biological com- patibility to monkey pulp. The in vivo sealing ability of the flowable composite in combination with the self-etching adhesive was considered comparable to glass ionomer cement. Amalgam restorations without adhesive liners showed slight bacterial penetration along the cavity wall.

Direct capping of human pulps with a dentin bonding system or with calcium hydroxide cement

OBJECTIVE

To study human pulp reactions to direct cappings with a dentin adhesive compared with a calcium hydroxide cement, especially with respect to formation of hard tissue in the exposure site.

STUDY DESIGN

Direct pulp cappings were made in 34 caries-free premolars scheduled for extraction due to orthodontic treatment. Half of the teeth were capped with a dentin adhesive, the other half with a calcium hydroxide cement. After periods of from 7 to 70 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for light microscopical examination.

RESULTS

No postoperative sensitivity was experienced. A slight inflammatory reaction was seen in both groups in the short observation period. In the long observation period, significantly more "dentin bridging" was seen in the calcium hydroxide group than in the dentin adhesive group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The findings from the present limited material is in accordance with previous findings from human studies and contraindicate use of dentin adhesives for direct pulp capping.

Class II antigen-presenting dendritic cell and nerve fiber responses to cavities, caries, or caries treatment in human teeth

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule-expressing cells are distributed in human dental pulp, and have been shown to accumulate beneath caries lesions. The responses of these cells and nerve fibers were analyzed under 5 different clinical conditions: shallow and deep experimental cavities, active and slow untreated caries, and treated caries. Under deep cavities, class II molecule-expressing dendritic cells displaced the injured odontoblasts during a period of one month, while such a response was not observed in shallow cavities and untreated or treated carious teeth. The class II molecules seen in the neural elements under active caries were no longer detectable in treated carious teeth. However, six months after treatment, clusters consisting of dendritic cells, T-lymphocytes, and nerve fibers still remained locally in the subodontoblastic area. These results indicate that dental pulps respond differently to cavity preparation and restoration between normal and caries conditions, and that immunoresponses persist for many months, even after caries treatment.

Comparison of pulp responses to resin composites

Diverse reports have described how various types of adhesive systems cause disastrous pulp necrosis, chronic severe inflammation or failure to stimulate any pulp reactions. This article reports on the effects of five common adhesive systems and how they compare in terms of pulp injury as measured by odontoblast survival or dentin regeneration and reactionary dentin formation. One hundred and thirty Class V pulp, non-exposed cavities were prepared in non-human primate teeth and were restored with five different adhesive systems. After a period of time between 3 and 172 days, the teeth were extracted, fixed, processed and examined histomorphometrically. Bacterial microleakage was detected with McKays stain and inflammation was categorized according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) criteria. The number of odontoblasts and the area of reactionary dentin were measured. Pulp reactions of all adhesive systems were generally minimal, although some systems permitted bacterial microleakage in 33% of restorations, and some other systems were associated with pulp inflammation in 22% of restorations. These observations suggest that adhesive systems provide acceptable biocompatibility, however, there is strong potential for improvement.

Histopathological study of dental pulp tissue capped with enamel matrix derivative

The purpose of this study was to examine the histopathological response of dental pulp tissue to enamel matrix derivative (EMD) used as a pulp capping material. Thirty-two teeth from two mongrel dogs were divided into four equal groups. One group served as controls, and the others were used for deep Class V cavity preparation followed by direct pulp capping with enamel matrix derivative. The treated teeth were extracted after 1, 4, and 8 weeks and prepared for histopathological examination by light microscopy. All teeth prepared after 4 and 8 weeks demonstrated an increase in tertiary dentin, suggesting that enamel matrix derivative exerts a considerable influence on odontoblasts and endothelial cells of capillaries in dental pulp tissue. These results imply that enamel matrix derivative used as a pulp capping material may play a role in the calcification of dental pulp tissue.

Local application of IGF1 on dental pulp mechanically exposed; in vivo study on rabbit

IGF1 (Insulin Growth Factor, 1) was intentionally applied onto pulp tissues, aiming to provoque a dentine regeneration process through the stimulation of the dentinoblasts' potententials. 72 cavities were hence performed on rabbit molars, intentionally exposing the dental pulp. Different concentrations of IGF1 were then applied; The histo and anatomo-pathological observations showed persistent vitality of the pulp without any sign of necrosis, even 6 weeks after the IGF1 application. Dentinoblasts layers (as an indication of the regeneration activity) were counted, according to a pre-established protocol, at days 7, 14, 22, 28 and 42. The type of the applied IGF1, was carefully selected to be "Binding Protein Resistant" (IGF-BPR), so to avoid any inhibition of the IGF1 action by the endogenous binding proteins (Hochscheid and coll). The results were conclusive in indicating the IGF1 as an efficient dental pulp capping product.

Bacterial microleakage and pulp inflammation associated with various restorative materials

OBJECTIVES

Many restorative materials are claimed to be successful in preventing bacterial microleakage and minimizing pulp inflammation. However, information regarding the in vivo performance of materials in comparison with each other is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the pulp response of nine restorative materials when placed in non-exposed monkey cavities.

METHODS

279 standardized non-exposed Class V cavities, were prepared into buccal dentin. Cavities were restored with a number of materials in the following categories: Zinc oxide eugenol (ZnOE), Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)], zinc phosphate (ZP), Resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), Composite resin (CR), Bonded amalgam (BA), Gutta-percha (GP), Compomer and Silicate. Pulp tissues were collected and evaluated at short, intermediate and long-term intervals according to ISO guidelines; employing histomorphometric analysis, Spearman's rho and ANOVA statistics. Pulp responses were categorized according to FDI, ISO and ADA standards. Bacteria were detected using McKay stains.

RESULTS

Pulp inflammation was found to be correlated to bacterial microleakage around the restoration (p < or =0.0001). The frequency of bacterial microleakage was found to vary between restorative materials (p < or =0.0001). In rank order of preventing bacterial microleakage from best to the worst; RMGI (100%), BA (88%), ZnOE (86%), CR (80%), GP (64%), Ca(OH)(2) (58%), compomer (42%), silicate (36%) and ZP (0%).

SIGNIFICANCE

The most effective restorative materials to prevent bacterial microleakage and pulp injury from inflammatory activity were RMGI, BA, ZnOE and CR restorations.

Histomorphometric analysis of dentinal bridge formation and pulpal inflammation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pulpal responses to the use of four resin composite materials as direct pulp capping agents. The importance and effects of individual pulp capping variables are not well understood; consequently histomorphometric analysis was used to analyze these variables.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Two hundred fifty standardized pulp-exposed cavities were prepared in nonhuman primate teeth. Exposed pulps were capped with calcium hydroxide and multistep and self-etching primer resin composites. Teeth were collected from 3 to 60 days to observe pulpal reactions. Following perfusion fixation, tissues were demineralized, sectioned, stained, and histomorphometrically measured. Bridge area, diameter of pulpal exposure, and cavity floor width were measured. Tunnel defects, operative debris, and pulpal inflammation were graded according to defined criteria.

RESULTS

The variables correlated to dentinal bridge area were, in decreasing order of significance, time elapsed since exposure, diameter of pulpal exposure, pulp capping material, and tunnel defects. The variables correlated to pulpal inflammation were the type and curing of pulp capping material. Other variables were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Pulp capping with resin composite materials provided acceptable pulpal inflammatory and dentinal bridge repair responses, comparable with those of calcium hydroxide. Although resin composites are promising as direct pulp capping agents, further investigations are required to optimize their application protocols to reduce the penetration of potentially cytotoxic monomers into pulpal tissue.

Pulpal response to different pulp capping methods after pulp exposure by air abrasion

Air abrasion is regaining popularity especially in the area of pediatric dentistry due to its ease of use and its advantages. Due to the lost of tactile information, while using this technique, there is an increased risk for pulpal exposure. On the other hand, Ca(OH)2 medicament has been proven to induce dentin bridge formation, but an adequate sealing seems to be even more important that the capping material used. The purpose of this study was two fold: to assess the pulpal response after pulpal exposure by air abrasion and to evaluate the healing potential after using Ca(OH)2 medicament or Liner Bond II as a capping agent. Two hundred sixteen teeth from mixed-bred dogs were used in this study. The teeth were divided into three groups, A) pulpal exposure by air-abrasion followed by sealing of the cavity with Liner Bond II, B) pulpal exposure by air-abrasion and Ca(OH)2 pulp capping and C) pulpal exposure by high-speed followed by air-abrasion and Ca(OH)2 pulp capping as a control group. The animals were sacrificed after 7, 14, 30 and 60 days and a histopathological evaluation was undertaken. After applying Analysis of Variance to compare the groups, it was observed that at earlier observation periods, the inflammatory criteria near the exposure site were different among the groups. As time elapsed, the inflammation was resolved in the pulp tissue, however, the odontoblastic layer and the dentin bridge formation had a highly statistically significant difference (p<0.001) among the various groups at all observation periods. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the organization of the odontoblastic layer and the dentin bridge formation mainly after 30 days. It could be concluded that dentin bridge formation could be achieved with the use of Ca(OH) or Liner Bond II as capping agent with an adequate sealing. However, the formation is delayed especially when Liner Bond II is used as capping agent.

Histopathologic study on pulp response to single-bottle and self-etching adhesive systems

This study compared the pulp response to seven adhesive resins (three single-bottle and four self-etching primers) and their companion resin composite systems with a commercial calcium hydroxide material when applied to exposed monkey pulps. The control group was capped with Dycal (DY), while the experimental groups were capped with one of the following adhesive resin systems: AQ Bond (AQ), Single Bond (SB), Imperva Fluorobond (IF), One Step (OS), Prime&Bond NT (PBNT), Perme Bond F (PBF) and One-up Bond F (OBF). Histopathologic evaluation of pulp tissue disorganization, inflammatory cell infiltration, reparative dentin formation and bacterial penetration at the 3rd, 30th and 90th post-operative days was done using light microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Least Significant Difference Test to determine differences between the control group and the experimental groups at each observation period. The correlation of inflammatory cell infiltration and bacterial presence was investigated by the Kendall correlation analysis. All tests were performed at a 95% level of confidence. The pulpal responses of groups DY, SB, OS, PBF and OBF were generally characterized by none-to-mild pulp tissue disorganization and inflammatory cell infiltration. Also, initiation of reparative dentin formation was found earlier in Group DY, resulting in more complete dentin bridges at the 30- and 90-day observation periods. Groups AQ, IF and PBNT had significantly more inflammatory cell infiltration and a lower incidence of reparative dentin formation than Group DY. A significant correlation was detected between inflammatory cell infiltration and the presence of bacteria. It is concluded that the pulp response to SB, OS, PBF and OBF is not significantly different from the calcium hydroxide preparation. However, calcium hydroxide capping resulted in a higher incidence and faster rate of reparative dentin formation.

Comparison of pulp responses following restoration of exposed and non-exposed cavities

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast differences of pulp responses between non-exposed and exposed cavity preparations in terms of inflammation, frequency of bacterial microleakage, odontoblast and odontoblastoid cell numbers, and tertiary dentine formation.

METHODS

Class V non-exposed cavities (n=161) and exposed cavities (n=161 teeth) were prepared in non-human primate teeth. Cavities were restored with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)], resin modified glass ionomer, or resin composite. Following extraction (7-730 days), bacteria were detected with McKays stain and pulp reactions were categorized according to ISO guidelines. Teeth were analyzed histomorphometrically and statistically using analysis of variance tests.

RESULTS

Exposed cavities in comparison with non-exposed cavities were found to have more severe inflammation (p=0.0001), greater quantities of tertiary dentine (p=0.0001), and an increased frequency of bacterial microleakage (p=0.0034). The density of odontoblastoid cells beneath pulp exposed tertiary dentine was found to be 47.8% of odontoblast cell density beneath non-exposed dentine (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The restoration of exposed cavity preparations is associated with more traumatic pulp injury and repair responses. Consequently, efforts should be made to minimize iatrogenic dentine removal during cavity preparation and the creation of pulp exposures whenever possible.

Preserving the vital pulp in operative dentistry: 4. Factors influencing successful pulp capping

The sequence of factors that mediate pulp inflammation and necrosis are unclear, and controversy surrounds the effects of different pulp capping materials on exposed pulps. Clinicians have few quantitative studies that rank the in vivo pulp capping effects of commonly used restorative materials.