[The use of a bactericidal substance as medication in the indirect capping of healthy dentin]

An association of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazol (Bactrim, Roche) was employed in the indirect capping of healthy teeth in the dog. Tetracycline labelling showed dentinogenesis in these teeth and comparison was made with the controls, A quantitative and qualitative change in dentinogenesis was noted below the control cavities. This alteration was less marked in Bactrim-treated teeth. It is deduced, therefore, that the operations involved in the preparation and filling of cavities in healthy teeth leads to pulp damage that can be partly prevented by using a bactericide.