Vital Pulp Therapies in Clinical Practice: Findings from a Survey with Dentist in Southern Brazil

Ion release, biocompatibility, and bioactivity of resin-modified calcium hydroxide cavity liners

BACKGROUND

The placement of liners near the pulp area is essential for therapeutic effects and maintaining pulp health while stimulating the formation of tertiary dentin. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the calcium release, pH, biocompatibility, solubility, and bioactivity of three resin-modified calcium hydroxide cavity liners.

METHODS

The disc specimens of each cavity liner were prepared using polyethylene molds of 7 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height (n = 10). Three light-cure liners evaluated include Ultra-Blend Plus (UB), Base-it (BI), and Master Dent (MD). The samples were then immersed in flasks containing 10 mL of distilled water. Calcium ion release, pH, and solubility were evaluated in two weeks of incubation. The cytotoxicity of extracts adjacent to the specimens was evaluated by MTT assay using NIH/3T3 cells after 1, 3, and 7 days of incubation. The ability to induce the nucleation of calcium phosphates (CaPs) after 28-day immersion in a simulated body fluid was investigated by SEM-EDX analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and repeated measures tests at the significant level of 0.05.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the release of calcium ions among the three liners investigated on days 1, 7, and 14 (p < 0.05). UB liners exhibited a significantly higher amount of calcium release than the other two liners, followed by BI, and MD. On day 1, there was no significant difference in the average pH among the three liners. However, after day 7, the MD liner showed a significant decrease in pH compared to the other two liners. BI liner demonstrated the highest level of biocompatibility, followed by the MD and UB liners. UB showed a high calcium release, solubility with no alkalizing activity, and the formation of more mature Ca-rich apatite deposits than the other two liners.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, the cavity liner material's performance is material dependent. It can impact ion release, biocompatibility, and bioactivity which are important factors to consider in clinical practice. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of different liner materials on oral tissues.

Assessment of Decision-Making and Material Selection for Vital Pulp Therapy in Deep Carious Lesions: A Study at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to assess decision-making, material selection, and management of deep carious lesions in permanent teeth requiring vital pulp therapy (VPT); investigate the intradepartmental and interdepartmental consensus in the management of those cases; and correlate this study's results to the current scientific literature, clinical experience, and postgraduate training among staff and postgraduate students at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The survey included faculty from pedodontics, endodontics, and restorative/operative dentistry; postgraduate students; and interns, excluding specific categories such as retired faculty, external trainers, non-faculty hospital specialists, general practitioners, students, interns outside the institution, and other departments. An anonymous electronic questionnaire was developed and validated. Ethical approval was obtained, and the questionnaire was distributed to all 148 English-proficient members of the targeted population via email and WhatsApp, accompanied by a cover letter. The questionnaire encompassed demographic, education, experience, assessment, decision-making, and management sections. Data were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel, with results presented using categorical variables, Pareto charts, and statistical tests.

RESULTS

There were 86 responses, representing 58% of the target population, with the key findings including the prominence of "Pre-operative vitality test result" as the most important factor in assessing deep carious lesions, with no significant differences among specialties. The (one-step and one-visit) management approach was preferred by 50% of participants, with no significant specialty differences. For deep carious lesions without pulpal exposure, glass ionomer (GI)/resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) base was the top choice, with no variation among all specialties. In cases with pulpal exposure, the one-visit approach (direct pulp capping (DPC), base, and restoration) was the most favored, with no specialty differences. Material availability significantly influenced decision-making, with no specialty variations.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the crucial role of pre-operative vitality tests in assessing deep carious lesions for VPT or root canal treatment (RCT). Participants generally favored VPT for cases with normal pulp vitality, with some departmental variation. Controlling bleeding post-pulpal exposure was a central concern. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was the most commonly used VPT material, followed by Ca(OH)2 and Biodentine. Factors such as treatment access, patient compliance, remaining dentin thickness, and oral hygiene had minimal impact on treatment choice. Limited availability of VPT materials was the primary reason for non-use. The survey's acceptable response rate raises concerns about potential non-response bias, though limitations include a lack of data on non-responders. Nevertheless, the survey's strength lies in its comprehensive coverage of key clinical aspects, engaging professionals from diverse specialties and educational levels who are collectively interested in addressing deep caries cases.

Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of calcium silicate-based liners to resin-modified glass ionomer cement in resin composite restorations - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the difference in shear bond strength between calcium silicate-based liners to resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in resin composite restorations.Materials and methods The protocol was registered in PROSPERO following which primary research was carried out on Medline, Scopus and Cochrane library. To assess the risk of bias, a customised tool was used. Among the 194 records retrieved from the databases, only ten articles qualified for qualitative and quantitative synthesis after meeting all the requirements of the eligibility criteria. Covidence software was used to record the decisions. Studies published until 31 March 2021 were taken up for the review. The articles showed a low-to-moderate risk of bias. I2 test was used to check the percentage variation due to heterogeneity.Results RMGIC showed a higher shear bond strength value compared to the three calcium silicate liners MTA, Biodentine and TheraCal LC. However, TheraCal LC and MTA showed better bond strength than Biodentine. Cohesive failure was seen predominantly in liners followed by adhesive failure. RMGIC shows mixed mode of failure in some studies.Conclusions RMGIC is preferred over calcium silicate-based materials as the liner to be used under resin composite restorations. Among calcium silicate-based materials, TheraCal LC showed a better bond strength value. The mode of failure was predominantly cohesive in all the liner groups in majority.

Deep carious lesions management in children and adolescents: a questionnaire survey among dentists practicing paediatric dentistry in France

INTRODUCTION

While many questionnaire surveys have been undertaken worldwide to investigate practices toward deep carious lesion (DCL) management in adults, very few are related to children and adolescents. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess DCL management in children and adolescents among dentists practicing paediatric dentistry in France (Fr-DPPDs). The secondary objective was to compare practices between Fr-DPPDs and dentists registered in the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD).

METHODS

A questionnaire was electronically administrated to members of the CEOP (Collège des Enseignants en Odontologie Pédiatrique), the SFOP (Société Française d'Odontologie Pédiatrique), and the EAPD. Descriptive analyses, Chi-square and McNemar tests, ANOVA, crude and adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 99 Fr-DPPDs and 146 EAPD members answered the questionnaire. Among the Fr-DPPDs, the preferred caries removal (CR) methods were the complete CR in one step for primary teeth and mature permanent teeth (respectively, 70% and 48%) and in two steps for immature permanent teeth (39%). EAPD members were more likely, than Fr-DPPDs, to choose selective CR versus complete CR in primary teeth (odds ratio = 2.60; 95% CI 1.39-4.85). Moreover, for primary or immature permanent teeth, general practitioners were less likely to choose selective CR than specialists and exclusive practitioners in paediatric dentistry, (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Tooth type [primary, permanent (immature or mature)] seemed to influence DCL management. Fr-DPPS should prioritise pulpal vitality when managing DCL.

Normative and subjective need for dental prosthesis: accuracy and agreement in a population based-study

The aim of our study was to compare normative need for dental prosthesis (estimated by dentists) with subjective need (self-reported) by testing the accuracy and agreement and comparing direction and magnitude of associations with independent variables using both as outcomes. A representative sample of a birth cohort study (n = 900) was assessed at 31 years of age. Subjective need was obtained from questionnaire. Both normative and subjective need variables were dichotomized in (a) individuals with need for dental prosthesis and (b) without need for dental prosthesis. Accuracy was assessed by sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values. Agreement of normative and subjective need was assessed estimating kappa index. Sex, income, educational level, use of dental services and self-reported oral health were used to compare the associations with normative and subjective need. Prevalence of normative need was 48.9% and subjective need was 34.9%. Agreement (kappa: 0.43) and accuracy between normative and subjective need for dental prosthesis was low (SE: 56.5, 95%CI: 50.3-62.6; SP: 85.8, 95%CI: 81.1-89.7; PPV: 79.1, 95%CI: 72.6-84.7; NPV: 67.3, 95%CI: 62.1-72.2). When considering individuals with loss in anterior teeth, results showed a good agreement (kappa: 0.82) and accuracy between normative and subjective need (SE: 93.3, 95%CI: 68.1-99.8; SP: 88.9, 95%CI: 51.8-99.7; PPV: 93.3, 95%CI: 68.1-99.8; NPV: 88.9, 95%CI: 51.8-99.7). Direction and magnitude of associations with normative and subjective need were similar. Thus, normative need for dental prosthesis differs from subjective need in adults, except when anterior losses are present.

Determinants of dental prosthetic treatment need: A birth cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the incidence of the need for a dental prosthesis during early adulthood and its association with socioeconomic and oral disorder trajectories.

METHODS

In 1982, in the city of Pelotas, all live births (n = 5914) and their mothers were assessed. A representative sample of this cohort study was examined for oral health conditions at 15, 24 and 31 years (Oral Health Study-OHS). The need for a dental prosthesis was assessed at 24 and 31 years of age, and variables of interest (gender, skin colour, socioeconomic status (SES), use of dental services, caries and periodontal disease) were collected from different waves of this cohort. Longitudinal association between outcome and variables of interest was assessed using multilevel mixed models.

RESULTS

A total of 539 individuals were assessed in 2013 (60.7% response rate). The need for a dental prosthesis was 28.9% at 24 years. (95% CI 24.9-33.2) and 49.0% at 31 years (95% CI 44.7-53.3). Risk of presenting with a need for a dental prosthesis was higher in users of public services. Downwardly mobile and lower SES trajectory groups presented a higher risk of the need for a dental prosthesis. High-risk caries trajectory group showed a higher risk of presenting with the need for a dental prosthesis from 24 to 31 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that the need for dental prosthesis from 24 to 31 years old was determined by trajectories of exposure during the life cycle, reinforcing that tackling socioeconomic inequalities at any stage of life can have an effect on an individual's oral health.

Frightened of the pulp? A qualitative analysis of undergraduate student confidence and stress during the management of deep caries and the exposed pulp

AIM

To evaluate sources of student confidence and stress during the management of deep carious lesions and the exposed pulp during undergraduate clinics. Further aims were to identify barriers and facilitators, which could result in educational or practical improvements in the delivery of teaching and provision of treatment in this area.

METHODOLOGY

A exploratory qualitative study design was used, based on recorded focus group interviews, guided by 12 predetermined questions. The discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed by inductive qualitative content analysis. Common categories were identified to aid understanding. Forty undergraduate dental students from 4th and 5th years in Dublin Dental University Hospital participated in the study.

RESULTS

Student stress and confidence were multifactorial and broadly linked to specific domains: clinical procedure, academic education, clinical training, evaluation/grading, organization and equipment, vital pulp biomaterial and the patient. Most students expressed a preference for one-stage selective carious removal to soft dentine rather than potential pulp exposure in deep carious lesions, noting that although it helped to decrease their immediate stress, it also caused longer-term concern by leaving caries close to the pulp. Nevertheless, their confidence was affected by limited clinical experience of carrying out selective removal procedures in deep caries. A recurrent finding was students citing high levels of stress after pulp exposure. Feelings including anger, fear, embarrassment and denial were associated with pulp exposure during deep caries management. Generally, the students felt able to manage pulp capping procedures, but were less certain about partial pulpotomy, suggesting that although they are aware of its advantages, they were unsure about the appropriate volume of pulp tissue to remove. To reduce stress, students suggested that laboratory teaching should employ new 3-D printed solutions and clinics should establish clear consensus amongst supervising teachers about the best way to manage the exposed pulp.

CONCLUSIONS

Students lacked confidence as they neared the pulp and prefer selective caries removal techniques, which reduce the likelihood of pulp exposure. Students identified stressors and suggested improvements in several domains that would improve confidence. These ameliorations could lead to enhancements in student ability to perform these conservative techniques, and improve the provision of treatment in this area.

Cavity Bases Revisited

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to review the current literature on cavity bases while focusing on the role of zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) and resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGI) as cavity bases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough literature search between 1970 and 2020 was done using Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The keywords of the search strategy were as below: cavity liners and bases, pulp protection, zinc oxide eugenol, and resin-modified glass ionomer. No specific inclusion or exclusion criteria were applied as to what articles would be included in this review.

CONCLUSION

This review emphasizes that the available literature provides very little evidence to support the routine use of a base under amalgam or composite restorations. This review favors the adoption of "no more lining or bases" in shallow and moderate cavity preparations. However, an exception might be a "protective base" of RMGI following the application of calcium hydroxide (CH) liners in deep cavities. Bonded RMGIs are suitable cavity base materials and should always replace zinc oxide eugenol bases in daily practice.

Dentist-related factors influencing the use of vital pulp therapy: a survey among dental practitioners in China

Objective

To evaluate dentist-related factors associated with the use of vital pulp therapy (VPT) for the treatment of pulp exposures in permanent teeth.

Methods

This survey-based study sent an online questionnaire to collect data on the demographics of the respondents, the use of VPT and the choice of materials for VPT, to all members of the Society of Endodontology of Guangdong, China.

Results

A total 183 of 380 members responded (48.2%). The majority (89.6%; 164 of 183) had performed direct pulp capping (DPC) while 55.2% (101 of 183) had performed partial pulpotomy (PP) at least once. The most-cited reason for not performing VPT was unfamiliarity with the technique. Mineral trioxide aggregate was the most commonly used material for both DPC (67.1%; 110 of 164) and PP (73.3%; 74 of 101). Endodontists, compared with general practitioners, preferred to perform DPC and chose calcium silicate materials (CSMs) for VPT (odds ratios 5.81 and 8.07, respectively). DPC and CSMs for VPT were also favoured more by respondents who had practised for > 5 years. Senior respondents were more likely to use PP.

Conclusions

Speciality, years of practise and age of dentists influenced the decision making and the choice of materials for VPT. Continuing education is essential to promote the clinical use of VPT.

Does the skin color of patients influence the treatment decision-making of dentists? A randomized questionnaire-based study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether patients' skin color could exert an influence on the dentist's decision-making for treatment, in four different cities in Brazil.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Lists of dentists were obtained and the sample selection was performed systematically. Two questionnaires were produced for the same clinical case, but the images were digitally manipulated to obtain a patient with a black and a white skin color. Dentists were free to choose treatment without any restrictions, including the financial aspects. A random sequence (white or black) was generated which was placed at random in sealed, opaque envelopes. Dentists were questioned about the decision on the treatment of a severely decayed tooth and an ill-adapted amalgam restoration.

RESULTS

A total of 636 dentists agreed to participate in the study. After adjustments (multinomial logistic regression), it was observed that the black patient with a decayed tooth had a 50% lower risk of being referred for prosthetic treatment (p = 0.023) and a 99% higher risk of receiving a composite resin restoration, compared to the white patient (p = 0.027). No differences were observed regarding recommendation for tooth extraction (p = 0.657). In relation to an ill-adapted amalgam, the black patient had less risk of receiving a referral replacement with composite resin (0.09 95%CI [0.01-0.82]) and finishing and polishing (0.11 5%CI [0.01-0.99]) compared with the white patient.

CONCLUSION

Patient skin color influenced the dentist's choice of treatment. In general, black patients receive referrals for cheaper, simpler procedures.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Skin color played an important role in dentists' treatment decisions. Professionals may contribute unconsciously to the propagation and replication of racial discrimination.

Venous Blood Derivatives as FBS-Substitutes for Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Systematic Scoping Review

Although the biological properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are well-characterized in vitro, MSC clinical application is still far away to be achieved, mainly due to the need of xenogeneic substances for cell expansion, such as fetal bovine serum (FBS). FBS presents risks regarding pathogens transmissions and internalization of animal's proteins, which can unleash antigenic responses in patients after MSC implantation. A wide range of venous blood derivatives (VBD) has been reported as FBS substitutes showing promising results. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic scoping review to analyze whether VBD are effective FBS substitutes for MSC ex vivo expansion. The search was performed in SciVerse ScopusTM, PubMed, Web of ScienceTM, BIREME, Cochrane library up to January 2016. The keywords were selected using MeSH and entry terms. Two independent reviewers scrutinized the records obtained considering specific inclusion criteria. The included studies were evaluated in accordance with a modified Arksey and O' Malley's framework. From 184 found studies, 90 were included. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) were presented in most of these studies. Overall, VBD allowed for either, maintenance of MCS's fibroblast-like morphology, high proliferation, high colony-formation ability and maintenance of multipotency. Besides. MSC expanded in VBD supplements presented higher mitogen activity than FBS. VBD seems to be excellent xeno-free serum for ex vivo expansion of mesenchymal stem cells. However, an accentuated heterogeneity was observed between the carried out protocols for VBD isolation did not allowing for direct comparisons between the included studies.

Calcium hydroxide liners: a literature review

OBJECTIVE

This review integrates the literature on cavity liners and current concepts of pulp protection with the aim of establishing a better understanding of the role of calcium hydroxide as a cavity liner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was conducted through PubMed, MEDLINE, and Ovid for articles with the criteria for the following terms: cavity liners and bases, pulp protection, and calcium hydroxide liners. No specific inclusion or exclusion criteria were applied as to what articles would be included in this review. It was hoped that the extent of the literature reviewed would be as comprehensive as possible.

CONCLUSION

This review underlines the fact that calcium hydroxide liners should only be used in the deepest spots in the cavity where the remaining dentine thickness is ≤0.5 mm. A protective layer of resin-modified glass ionomer should always follow the application of calcium hydroxide liners.

Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate MTA Indirect Pulp Capping in Deep Caries Lesions After 24-Months

OBJECTIVE

This clinical study aimed to assess the efficacies of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] in the treatment of deep carious lesions by the direct complete caries removal technique.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 100 permanent molar/premolar teeth were capped with either Ca(OH)₂ (n=49) or MTA (n=51) and restored with composite resin in 73 patients. Periapical radiographs were acquired prior to the treatment as well as at six, 12, and 24 months posttreatment. Two calibrated examiners performed the clinical and radiographic assessment of the periapical pathology and pulpal symptoms. Intergroup comparisons of the observed values were performed using the Fisher exact test. Significance was predetermined at α = 0.05.

RESULTS

The recall rates were 100% at six and 12 months posttreatment and 98.6% at 24 months posttreatment. Four teeth capped with Ca(OH)₂ (two each at six and 12 months posttreatment) and two capped with MTA (one each at 12 and 24 months posttreatment) received endodontic emergency treatment because of symptoms of irreversible pulpitis, which were clinically and/or radiographically established. There were no significant differences in pulp vitality between the two pulp-capping agents at six, 12, or 24 months posttreatment (p=0.238, p=0.606, and p=0.427, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both pulp-capping materials were found to be clinically acceptable at 24 months posttreatment.

Could the application of bioactive molecules improve vital pulp therapy success? A systematic review

This study aimed to systematically review the literature of animal studies to evaluate whether bioactive dentin proteins could improve vital pulp therapy success. The review is reported in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Two reviewers independently conducted a literature search of seven databases: PubMed (Medline), Lilacs, IBECS, BBO, Web of Science, Scopus, and SciELO. Animal experiments in which bioactive dentin proteins were applied directly or indirectly to the pulp tissue were included. Data regarding the characteristics of the proteins evaluated, the delivery systems used and the main findings from each study were tabulated to assess the outcomes of interest (tertiary dentin formation, inflammatory response, intratubular mineralization). After screening, 32 papers were subjected to qualitative analysis. In 75% of the studies, direct pulp capping was performed. Additionally, the most studied proteins were BMP-7, TGF-β1, and extracted soluble dentin matrix proteins. In conclusion, there is evidence in the literature suggesting that bioactive dentin molecules could enhance tertiary dentin formation with fewer initial inflammatory responses in direct and indirect pulp therapy in animal models. There are potential areas to be explored for novel therapeutic approaches for dental tissue repair and regeneration with bioactive materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 941-956, 2017.

Understanding dentists' management of deep carious lesions in permanent teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Increasing evidence supports selective/incomplete (SE) or stepwise (SW) instead of non-selective/complete tissue removal for deep carious lesions in vital teeth, mainly as pulpal risks are significantly reduced. Our aims were to analyze the proportion of dentists who utilize SE/SW for deep lesions in permanent teeth and to identify barriers and facilitators of utilizing SE/SW.

Methods

We included studies that were original, and reported on the proportion of dentists utilizing SE/SW (quantitative studies), or reported on barriers or facilitators of such utilization (qualitative studies). Electronic databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, PsycINFO) were searched and screening and data extraction performed by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were used for quantitative synthesis of the proportion of dentists utilizing SE/SW. Thematic analysis was performed to assess barriers and facilitators on SE/SW utilization. Identified themes were translated into the constructs of the theoretical domains framework.

Results

From 1728 articles, nine studies were included, all using quantitative methods. Four thousand one hundred ninety-nine dentists had been surveyed. The mean (95% CI) proportion of dentists using SE/SW for deep lesions was 53 % (44/62 %). More recent studies reported significantly higher proportions (p < 0.05). Reported estimates and thematic analysis found dentists’ age and an understanding of the disease caries and the scientific rationale behind different removal strategies to affect dentists’ behavior. Guidelines, peers, and the social and professional identity were further associated with the motivation of utilizing SE/SW. Environmental incentives, sanctions, or restrictions, mainly of financial but also regulatory character, impacted on decision-making, as did the specific indication (the patient, the tooth) and the beliefs on how well different treatments perform.

Conclusions

Around half of all dentists rejected evidence-based carious tissue removal strategies. A range of factors can be addressed for improving implementation. Future studies should use mixed qualitative-quantitative methods to yield a deeper understanding of dentists’ decision-making.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42016038047

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-016-0505-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Immunohistochemical Expression of TGF-β1 and Osteonectin in engineered and Ca(OH)2-repaired human pulp tissues

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and osteonectin (ON) in pulp-like tissues developed by tissue engineering and to compare it with the expression of these proteins in pulps treated with Ca(OH)2 therapy. Tooth slices were obtained from non-carious human third molars under sterile procedures. The residual periodontal and pulp soft tissues were removed. Empty pulp spaces of the tooth slice were filled with sodium chloride particles (250-425 µm). PLLA solubilized in 5% chloroform was applied over the salt particles. The tooth slice/scaffold (TS/S) set was stored overnight and then rinsed thoroughly to wash out the salt. Scaffolds were previously sterilized with ethanol (100-70°) and washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). TS/S was treated with 10% EDTA and seeded with dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Then, TS/S was implanted into the dorsum of immunodeficient mice for 28 days. Human third molars previously treated with Ca(OH)2 for 90 days were also evaluated. Samples were prepared and submitted to histological and immunohistochemical (with anti-TGF-β1, 1:100 and anti-ON, 1:350) analyses. After 28 days, TS/S showed morphological characteristics similar to those observed in dental pulp treated with Ca(OH)2. Ca(OH)2-treated pulps showed the usual repaired pulp characteristics. In TS/S, newly formed tissues and pre-dentin was colored, which elucidated the expression of TGF-β1 and ON. Immunohistochemistry staining of Ca(OH)2-treated pulps showed the same expression patterns. The extracellular matrix displayed a fibrillar pattern under both conditions. Regenerative events in the pulp seem to follow a similar pattern of TGF-β1 and ON expression as the repair processes.