In vivo tetracycline labeling of experimentally induced reparative dentin in human teeth

Tetracycline hydrocholoride was administered to label reparative dentin in teeth indicated for extraction. Deep cavities or pulp capping performed on the teeth one of four months before extraction served as a stimulus for new dentin formation. Examination of undemineralized sections under ultraviolet light revealed fluorescent bands in the reparative dentin of most teeth. The technique can be safely used in studies of the effects of clinical procedures on the dentin and pulp of human teeth.