Human pulp reaction to dentine bonded amalgam restorations: a histologic study

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials
• Oral Biology

Background:

• Dental restorative materials require biocompatibility assessment.
• Understanding pulp response to bonding agents is crucial for clinical success.
• Scotchbond Multi Purpose Plus (SMPP) is a widely used dental adhesive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the human pulp response to Scotchbond Multi Purpose Plus (SMPP) in non-exposed Class V cavities.
• To compare SMPP's effects with a calcium hydroxide control.
• To histologically assess pulpal inflammation and bacterial presence.

Main Methods:

• Class V cavities were prepared and restored with amalgam, either with SMPP (n=24) or calcium hydroxide (Dycal) base (n=16).
• Teeth were extracted at 10 and 35 days for histological examination.
• Pulp tissue was sectioned, stained, and analyzed for inflammation and bacteria.

Main Results:

• Dycal-capped teeth showed no inflammation or bacteria at both time points.
• At 10 days, 50% of SMPP-treated teeth had no inflammation, while the rest showed mild to moderate inflammation with bacteria.
• At 35 days, 75% of SMPP-treated teeth showed no inflammation; the remaining had mild to moderate inflammation without bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Scotchbond Multi Purpose Plus (SMPP) did not cause severe inflammatory pulpal reactions.
• SMPP demonstrated acceptable biocompatibility with human pulp tissue within the study periods.
• The bonding agent showed no significant deleterious effects on pulp tissue in this clinical context.