Acemannan Used as an Implantable Biomaterial for Vital Pulp Therapy of Immature Permanent Teeth Induced Continued Root Formation

Exploring vital pulp Therapies: A bibliometric analysis of the most cited articles

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the most cited articles on vital pulp therapies.

Methodology

Bibliographical data related to the abstract, citations, keywords, and other relevant information was extracted using different combinations of keywords. Further evaluation and visualization of the selected data were performed with the help of various tools, including MS Excel, Microsoft Word, Google open refine, BibExcel, and VOS viewer. An initial search revealed 91 documents, of which 40 were chosen for further analysis. We used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Spearman correlation coefficient test, and our adopted significance level was p < 0.05.

Results

In total, the articles received 1,905 citations, with six of them receiving at least 100 citations. Among the top 40 articles, the United States of America (10 articles) and Ireland (6 articles) were the countries with the highest number of cited articles. The journals "Journal of Endodontics" (14 articles; 650 citations) and "International Endodontic Journal" (13 articles; 577 citations) published most of the articles among the 50 most cited ones. Duncan H. was the author with the highest number of works cited (11 articles; 339 citations). Of the articles, systematic reviews accounted for 32%, literature reviews for 14%, in vitro experimental studies for 12%, clinical trials for 8%. Among the biomaterials used in vital pulp therapies, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was discussed in 37 articles (74%), followed by calcium hydroxide, mentioned in 30 studies (60%). Interestingly, the publication year did not demonstrate a significant impact on citation count.

Conclusion

The present study provided a detailed list of the top 50 most cited and classic articles on vital pulp therapies. This will help researchers, students, and clinicians in the field of endodontics with an impressive source of information.

Outcome assessment methods of bioactive and biodegradable materials as pulpotomy agents in primary and permanent teeth: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Pulpotomy procedures aiming to preserve and regenerate the dentin-pulp complex have recently increased exponentially due to developments in the field of biomaterials and tissue engineering in primary and permanent teeth. Although the number of studies in this domain has increased, there is still scarcity of evidence in the current literature.

OBJECTIVES

(1) Report the methods of outcome assessment of pulpotomy clinical trials in both primary and permanent teeth; (2) Identify the various bioactive agents and biodegradable scaffolds used in pulpotomy clinical trials in both primary and permanent teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A scoping review of the literature was performed, including a search of primary studies on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest and Clinicaltrials.gov. A search for controlled trials or randomized controlled trials published between 2012 and 2023 involving primary or permanent teeth receiving partial or full pulpotomy procedures using bioactive/regenerative capping materials was performed.

RESULTS

127 studies out of 1038 articles fulfilled all the inclusion criteria and were included in the current scoping review. More than 90% of the studies assessed clinical and radiographic outcomes. Histological, microbiological, or inflammatory outcomes were measured in only 9.4% of all included studies. Majority of the studies (67.7%) involved primary teeth. 119 studies used non-degradable bioactive cements, while biodegradable scaffolds were used by 32 studies, natural derivates and plant extracts studies were used in only 7 studies. Between 2012 (4 studies) and 2023 (11 studies), there was a general increase in the number of articles published. India, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran were found to have the highest total number of articles published (28, 28,16 and 10 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulpotomy studies in both primary and permanent teeth relied mainly on subjective clinical and radiographic outcome assessment methods and seldom analyzed pulpal inflammatory status objectively. The use of biodegradable scaffolds for pulpotomy treatments has been increasing with an apparent global distribution of most of these studies in low- to middle-income countries. However, the development of a set of predictable outcome measures as well as long-term evidence from well conducted clinical trials for novel pulpotomy dressing materials are still required.

Acemannan-containing bioactive resin modified glass ionomer demonstrates satisfactory physical and biological properties

Background/purpose

Resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) have been recommended as liner and cement to provide the teeth with mechanical support, a chemical barrier, and thermal insulation. Acemannan, the main polysaccharide extracted from Aloe vera, is a promising inductive material in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to develop acemannan-containing bioactive resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs).

Materials and methods

Acemannan (3%, 5%, and 10%) was added to the three types of RMGIs (RU-HBM1/Fuji II LC/Vitrebond) to generate 3%, 5%, and 10% aceRMGIs (aceRU/aceFuji/aceVB). The materials were evaluated for depth of cure/flexural strength/cumulative fluoride ion release. Cell viability and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) secretion were determined using MTT/apoptosis/necrosis assays, and ELISA kits, respectively. RMGI without acemannan were used as controls.

Results

The aceRMGIs met the ISO requirements for depth of cure and flexural strength. Adding 10% acemannan increased the cumulative fluoride release in the RU and FJ groups, but slightly decreased it in the VB group (P < 0.05). The MTT assay revealed 10% aceRU and all aceFJ groups significantly increased cell viability compared with each control group (P < 0.05). Apoptosis/necrosis assay showed the biocompatibility of all aceRMGIs. Adding acemannan to RMGIs significantly induced VEGF expression in a dose dependent manner while 5% and 10% aceRU significantly induced BMP-2 expression compared with RU group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We conclude that 5-10% acemannan in RMGI is the optimal concentration based on its physical properties and ability to induce pulp cell proliferation and growth factor secretion.

Partial pulpotomy success in primary molars followed up for 24 months: A randomized controlled clinical trial using mineral trioxide aggregate, biodentine, and acemannan

BACKGROUND

Finding the best treatment approach and suitable capping materials in primary molars with deep carious lesions remains unresolved.

AIM

To compare the success rates of partial pulpotomy in deep caries lesions in primary molars treated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), biodentine, or acemannan for 6-24 months.

DESIGN

A parallel-design, non-inferiority randomized controlled clinical trial was performed. Ninety mandibular primary molars from 65 children meeting the criteria, aged 3-8 years, were included. After inflamed pulp tissue removal and hemostasis, each tooth was randomly allocated into the MTA control group, or the biodentine or acemannan experimental group (N = 30 per group). All teeth were restored with a stainless steel crown. The outcomes were evaluated for 6-24 months. A generalized estimating equation model was used to compare the overall success rate in each group.

RESULTS

After 24 months, 58 children (83 teeth) were available for evaluation. The results indicated that the success rate in the MTA, biodentine, and acemannan groups was 83.3%, 76.9%, and 74.1%, respectively. No significant difference in success rates among groups, however, was observed at the 6- to 24-month follow-ups (at 24th month, p = .30).

CONCLUSION

There was no statistically significant difference between MTA, biodentine, or acemannan in the partial pulpotomy success after 24 months.

Comparative efficacy of materials used in patients undergoing pulpotomy or direct pulp capping in carious teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Different materials have been used for capping the pulp after exposure during caries removal in permanent teeth. The purpose of this study was to collate and analyze all pertinent evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different materials used in patients undergoing pulpotomy or direct pulp capping in carious teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Trials comparing two or more capping agents used for direct pulp capping (DPC) or pulpotomy were considered eligible. An electronic search of four databases and two clinical trial registries was carried out up to February 28, 2021 using a search strategy properly adapted to the PICO framework. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias (RoB) assessment of primary studies were performed in duplicate and independently. The primary outcome was clinical and radiological success; secondary outcomes included continued root formation, tooth discoloration, and dentin bridge formation.

RESULTS

21 RCTs were included in the study. The RoB assessment indicated a moderate risk among the studies. Due to significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity among the studies, performing network meta-analysis (NMA) was not possible. An ad hoc subgroup analysis revealed strong evidence of a higher success of DPC with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) compared to calcium hydroxide (CH) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66-5.79). MTA performed better than CH in pulp capping (both DPC and pulpotomy) of mature compared to immature teeth (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.81-6.17). The GRADE assessment revealed moderate strength of evidence for DPC and mature teeth, and low to very low strength of evidence for the remaining subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable clinical and statistical heterogeneity among the trials did not allow NMA. The ad hoc subgroup analysis indicated that the clinical and radiographic success of MTA was higher than that of CH but only in mature teeth and DPC cases where the strength of evidence was moderate. PROSPERO Registration: number CRD42020127239.

Regenerative potential of a novel aloe vera modified tricalcium silicate cement as a pulp capping material: An animal study

This study compared the histologic response of a pulp capping material Matreva MTA modified with different concentrations of aloe vera (AV) solutions to Biodentine cement. Ninety dogs' teeth were included and categorized according to the capping material into five groups (18 teeth each); Group I (Biodentine), group II (Matreva MTA), group III (Matreva MTA 10% AV), group IV (Matreva MTA 20% AV) and group V (Matreva MTA 30% AV). The histopathological findings were recorded at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Matreva MTA and Biodentine groups showed the highest inflammatory cell count compared to the AV-modified Matreva MTA groups at 2- and 4-week intervals (p>0.05). Moreover, the AV-modified Matreva MTA and Biodentine groups showed higher dentin bridge thickness compared to unmodified Matreva MTA at different follow-up periods (p<0.05). AV can significantly enhance the in vivo bioactivity of Matreva MTA, inducing mild inflammation and good dentine bridge formation comparable to Biodentine.

Potential applications of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals in oral and dental health: Status quo and future perspectives

OBJECTIVE

Herbal therapies are utilized to treat a broad diversity of diseases all over the globe. Although no clinical studies have been conducted to demonstrate the antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiplaque characteristics of these plants, this does not imply that they are ineffectual as periodontal treatments or anti-cariogenic drugs. However, there is a scarcity of research confirming their efficacy and worth.

SUBJECT

Herbs are utilized in dentistry as antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antiseptic, antioxidant, and analgesics agents as well as for the elimination of bad breath. In addition, the application of herbal agents in tissue engineering improved the regeneration of oral and dental tissues. This study reviews the application of medicinal herbs for the treatment of dental and oral diseases in different aspects.

METHODS

This article focuses on current developments in the use of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals in oral and dental health. An extensive literature review was conducted via an Internet database, mostly PubMed. The articles included full-text publications written in English without any restrictions on a date.

CONCLUSION

Plants have been suggested, as an alternate remedy for oral-dental problems, and this vocation needs long-term dependability. More research on herbal medicine potential as pharmaceutical sources and/or therapies is needed.

A New Biomaterial Derived from Aloe vera-Acemannan from Basic Studies to Clinical Application

Aloe vera is a kind of herb rich in polysaccharides. Acemannan (AC) is considered to be a natural polysaccharide with good biodegradability and biocompatibility extracted from Aloe vera and has a wide range of applications in the biomedical field due to excellent immunomodulatory, antiviral, antitumor, and tissue regeneration effects. In recent years, clinical case reports on the application of AC as a novel biomedical material in tissue regenerative medicine have emerged; it is mainly used in bone tissue engineering, pulp-dentin complex regeneration engineering, and soft tissue repair, among other operations. In addition, multiple studies have proved that the new composite products formed by the combination of AC and other compounds have excellent biological and physical properties and have broader research prospects. This paper introduces the preparation process, surface structure, and application forms of AC; summarizes the influence of acetyl functional group content in AC on its functions; and provides a detailed review of the functional properties, laboratory studies, clinical cutting-edge applications, and combined applications of AC. Finally, the current application status of AC from basic research to clinical treatment is analyzed and its prospects are discussed.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Apexogenesis: A Systematic Review

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of apexogenesis with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) against other pulpotomy agents in carious/traumatized immature permanent teeth.

Data Source

A web-based search for possibly relevant scientific papers in the English language between January 2013 and August 2022 was undertaken in the databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Only randomized clinical trials that compared MTA against other pulpotomy medicaments conducted in vital immature permanent dentition with open apex, having a sample size of not less than 20 with at least 6 months follow-up, reporting clinical or radiographic outcomes were included in the current review. Case studies, case series, animal studies, in vitro studies, non-clinical/clinical trials on mature/necrotic permanent or primary dentition, systematic reviews, and letters to the editor were excluded.

Study Selection

A total of 236 articles were retrieved from the databases during the search procedure. Two independent investigators conducted a full-text review of 83 studies following a screening of titles and abstracts. Eventually, seven studies were considered for the review. The Cochrane bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Five of the selected studies were assigned a low evidence level, whereas two were rated a high evidence level.

Conclusion

The present review indicated that the diverse pulpotomy agents had comparable clinical outcomes with MTA for apexogenesis in traumatized or carious immature permanent teeth. However, there is a lack of substantial information to draw firm conclusions about the benefits of one material over another.

Multifunctional and biodegradable methacrylated gelatin/Aloe vera nanofibers for endodontic disinfection and immunomodulation

Currently employed approaches and materials used for vital pulp therapies (VPTs) and regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) lack the efficacy to predictably achieve successful outcomes due to their inability to achieve adequate disinfection and/or lack of desired immune modulatory effects. Natural polymers and medicinal herbs are biocompatible, biodegradable, and present several therapeutic benefits and immune-modulatory properties; thus, standing out as a clinically viable approach capable of establishing a conducive environment devoid of bacteria and inflammation to support continued root development, dentinal bridge formation, and dental pulp tissue regeneration. However, the low stability and poor mechanical properties of the natural compounds have limited their application as potential biomaterials for endodontic procedures. In this study, Aloe vera (AV), as a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, was incorporated into photocrosslinkable Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) nanofibers with the purpose of developing a highly biocompatible biomaterial capable of eradicating endodontic infection and modulating inflammation. Stable GelMA/AV nanofibers with optimal properties were obtained at the ratio of (70:30) by electrospinning. In addition to the pronounced antibacterial effect against Enterococcus faecalis, the GelMA/AV (70:30) nanofibers also exhibited a sustained antibacterial activity over 14 days and significant biofilm reduction with minimal cytotoxicity, as well as anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory effects favoring healing. Our results indicate that the novel GelMA/AV (70:30) nanofibers hold great potential as a biomaterial strategy for endodontic infection eradication and enhanced healing.

Characterization of a bioscaffold containing polysaccharide acemannan and native collagen for pulp tissue regeneration

Dental pulp regeneration exploits tissue engineering concepts using stem cells/scaffolds/growth-factors. Extracted collagen is commonly used as a biomaterial-scaffold due to its biocompatibility/biodegradability and mimics the natural extracellular matrix. Adding biomolecules into a collagen-scaffold enhanced pulp regeneration. Acemannan, β-(1-4)-acetylated-polymannose, is a polysaccharide extracted from aloe vera. Acemannan is a regenerative biomaterial. Therefore, acemannan could be a biomolecule in a collagen-scaffold. Here, acemannan and native collagen were obtained and characterized. The AceCol-scaffold's physical properties were investigated using FTIR, SEM, contact angle, swelling, pore size, porosity, compressive modulus, and degradation assays. The AceCol-scaffold's biocompatibility, growth factor secretion, osteogenic protein expression, and calcification were evaluated in vitro. The AceCol-scaffolds demonstrated higher hydrophilicity, swelling, porosity, and larger pore size than the collagen scaffolds (p < 0.05). Better cell-cell and cell-scaffold adhesion, and dentin extracellular matrix protein (BSP/OPN/DSPP) expression were observed in the AceCol-scaffold, however, DSPP expression was not detected in the collagen group. Significantly increased cellular proliferation, VEGF and BMP2 expression, and mineralization were detected in the AceCol-scaffold compared with the collagen-scaffold (p < 0.05). Computer simulation revealed that acemannan's 3D structure changes to bind with collagen. In conclusion, the AceCol-scaffold synergistically provides better physical and biological properties than collagen. The AceCol-scaffold is a promising material for tissue regeneration.

The Effect of Aloe vera and Chlorhexidine as Disinfectants on the Success of Selective Caries Removal Technique: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera and chlorhexidine "CHX" as disinfectants on the success of selective caries removal technique in deep carious lesions. A total of 60 patients with: (I) deep class II carious lesion diagnosed with reversible pulpitis; (II) good oral hygiene; (III) no gingival recession or periodontal diseases; (IV) no antibiotic or antifungal treatment in the last three months; and (V) no systematic disease or pregnancy were included in the study. Sixty patients were distributed randomly to three experimental groups (n = 20): Group 1: no disinfectant solution was applied (control group); group 2: the cavity was filled with 2% CHX for 5 mins and then dried with a sterilized cotton pellet; group 3: the cavity was filled with Aloe vera extract for 5 mins and then dried with sterilized cotton pellet. One week later, only teeth with vital pulp characteristics were restored definitely with resin composite. After 18 months, clinical and radiographic examination was performed by using a blinded separated evaluator. The data were tabulated and analyzed using the chi-square test by SPSS 13.0 with a significance level (p ≤ 0.05). It was observed that 13 teeth of the control group, 14 teeth of the CHX group, and 16 teeth of the Aloe vera group were diagnosed with healthy vital pulp after 18 months. There was no significant difference between the CHX and the control group; however, there was a significant difference between the Aloe vera and control group (p ≤ 0.007). Aloe vera extract as a cavity disinfectant increases the success rate of selective caries removal technique of deep carious lesions.

Effectiveness of Three Agents in Pulpotomy Treatment of Permanent Molars with Incomplete Root Development: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare, radiographically and clinically, the impacts of calcium-silicate based-cement (CSBC), nano-hydroxyapatite and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as pulpotomy agents in permanent immature molars with incomplete root development. Sixty-three participants (63 permanent immature molars) were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into three equal groups. Fast setting MTA (MM-MTA), nano-hydroxyapatite and platelet-rich fibrin were used as pulpotomy agents. The teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically after 6 and 12 months by two blinded examiners. Apical closure and pulp canal obliteration percentages were recorded. The in vitro reaction of the tested materials after a 7-day immersion period of the different materials in phosphate-buffered solution was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to associate the in vitro mineralization with in vivo pulp canal obliteration percentages. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and ANOVA tests (α = 0.05). No significant difference was found between the three tested groups in terms of clinical and radiographic success (p > 0.05). All cases demonstrated evidence of root growth, including complete apical closure or continued apical closure. At 12 months, complete apical closure was found among the MM-MTA group (50%), nano-hydroxyapatite group (55%) and platelet-rich fibrin group (60%) (p > 0.05). After 12 months, pulp canal obliteration was more observed in the MM-MTA and nano-hydroxyapatite groups than in the PRF group (p < 0.05). MM-MTA (auto-mixed), NHA (hand-mixed) and PRF (autologous) could be used as pulpotomy agents since they exhibit comparable high clinical and radiographic success rates. However, the fact that the groups managed with MM-MTA and NHA have a higher tendency to canal obliteration might indicate that PRF should be considered the first choice material as pulpotomy agent, as it would make retreatment considerably easier.

Pulse Oximetry and Three-Dimensional Analysis in Evaluating Immature Permanent Teeth Apexogenesis: Two Case Reports

Background:

Apexogenesis is a vital pulp therapy that aims to preserve pulp vitality and maintain root formation in not-fully-formed permanent teeth with exposed pulp from trauma or caries. To achieve success, reliable diagnostic tools are required to assess the pulp health and tooth development stage, design an appropriate treatment plan and evaluation, and follow-up. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method for monitoring pulp oxygen saturation, which corresponds to pulp vitality.

Case Presentation:

This case report describes the successful apexogenesis of two pulp exposure-immature permanent teeth treated with acemannan, an implantable natural biomaterial extracted from aloe vera. Based on pulp oxygen saturation level, clinical evaluation, and radiographic examination, the teeth were asymptomatic with preserved pulp vitality and continued root development.

Conclusion:

Therefore, as an auxiliary tool, pulse oximetry could be useful for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-ups of apexogenesis therapy.

Advanced Digital 3D Technology in the Combined Surgery-First Orthognathic and Clear Aligner Orthodontic Therapy for Dentofacial Deformity Treatment

Orthognathic surgery and orthodontic treatment are required for patients with dentofacial deformities to obtain an ideal facial esthetic with good functioning. Recently, characterized by the surgery-first approach, an integrated orthodontic–surgical treatment has been introduced as an emerging solution to dentofacial deformity treatment. The surgery-first approach is regarded to have less treatment time and quicker enhancement of a facial profile than the conventional orthodontic–surgical treatment. Moreover, the recent advances in computing and imaging have allowed the adoption of 3-dimensional (3D) virtual planning protocols in orthognathic surgery as well as digital orthodontic treatment, which enables a paradigm shift when realizing virtual planning properly. These techniques then allow the surgeon and orthodontist to collaborate, plan, and simulate the dentofacial deformity treatment before performing the whole procedure. Along this line, in this research article, we present an integrated treatment method for the realization of an effective deformity treatment. Specifically, we implemented the integrated 3D technique by combining it with the surgery-first orthognathic approach (SFOA) as a novel treatment method for the patients. The outcomes from the combined treatments of the patients with dentofacial deformity, in practice, have demonstrated that our proposed 3D technique in orthognathics and orthodontics using clear aligner therapy (e.g., Invisalign) can enhance the satisfactory level of the patient since the start of treatment then improve their quality of life. As a result, the combined techniques realize the novel integrated treatment method using 3D technology with the use of 3D imaging and modeling as a promising development trend of dentistry, which fits into the context of Dentistry 4.0 as a key enabler to the concept of sustainable dentistry development.

Clinical and Radiographic Assessments of Potassium Nitrate in Polycarboxylate Versus Mineral Trioxide Aggregate as Pulpotomy Biomaterials in Immature Mandibular First Permanent Molars: A Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to compare clinically and radiographically the effects of potassium nitrate in polycarboxylate cement and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as pulpotomy agents in vital immature mandibular first molars.

METHODS

The trial design was a parallel randomized, 1:1 allocation ratio, with both the participants and the data assessor blinded. A total of 50 molars of 48 eligible children aged 6-9 years were studied. The children had mandibular immature first molars with extensive caries that revealed pulp exposure during caries excavation. Patients were randomly allocated equally into 2 groups in which potassium nitrate in polycarboxylate cement (the intervention group) and MTA (the control group) were used as pulpotomy biomaterials. The treated teeth were restored permanently. The primary outcome was clinical/radiographic assessment after 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months. The secondary outcomes were radiometric analysis at 6 and 12 months to determine dimensional changes during maturogenesis. The digital radiographs were imported to image processing software to perform radiometric measurements. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed with significance set at P ≤ .05.

RESULTS

Only a single tooth failed at the 6-month recall, and another one was lost during recall in each group. Thus, the overall success rate for cases/group who finally attended the 12-month follow-up time point was 92% (23/25) with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. At the 12-month recall, successful cases showed root development with an increase in root length and a decrease in apical foramen width. Complete apical closure was observed in 65.2% of the roots in the intervention group and 52.1% in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical and radiographic success reported in the present study reveals that potassium nitrate in polycarboxylate cement could be used as a biological and economic alternative to MTA as a pulpotomy agent in vital immature mandibular first molars. Further follow-up for longer periods is recommended.

Dentinal Lesions in Dogs with Dental Calculus

Histopathological changes in tooth structures in dogs with calculus have not been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of various histopathological changes in the dentine of teeth that had been surgically extracted from dogs with calculus. Data including breed, sex, age, reason for tooth extraction and dental history were obtained for each animal. A total of 158 teeth (45 incisors, 31 canines, 35 premolars and 47 molars) with calculus were extracted from 74 dogs of various ages and breeds. The teeth were decalcified, processed in paraffin wax and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histopathological analysis. Of the 158 analysed teeth, 71 had dentinal changes, including 45 with external resorption cavities, 11 with osteodentine, six with internal resorption cavities, four with tertiary dentine, four with dentinal degeneration or fragmentation, and one with predentine degeneration or fragmentation. Canine teeth were the least commonly affected. Areas of dentinal degeneration or fragmentation unrelated to resorption cavities were only seen in the incisor and molar teeth. Dentinal changes and their frequencies were similar among the incisor, premolar and molar teeth. The presence or extension of dental calculus was not associated with the type or frequency of dentinal changes.

Evaluation of Reparative Dentine Bridge Formation after Direct Pulp Capping with Biodentine

Aim:

To evaluate the capability of Biodentine for direct pulp capping in permanent teeth.

Materials and Methods:

The pulp of 11 human intact premolars were mechanically exposed in standard cavity dimensions and then capped with Biodentine for direct pulp capping. After 9–12 weeks, all teeth were extracted. All teeth were scanned using intraoral radiograph or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan before, right after pulp capping therapy, and after 9–12 weeks on both patient real and extracted teeth for evaluation of reparative dentin bridge formation. All clinical symptoms and signs were also recorded. Data were collected and analyzed using the MedCal statistical software at the significance of 0.05.

Results:

There was reparative dentin bridge formation in all experimental teeth, on both patient real and extracted teeth.

Conclusions:

The Biodentine could induce the formation of reparative dentin in direct pulp capping. The CBCT scan was the reliable modality for evaluation of dentin bridge formation.