Monkey pulpal response to composite resin restorations in cavities treated with various cleansing agents

Pulpal response to composite resin restorations placed in experimentally prepared cavities treated with various cavity cleansing and etching agents were studied in monkey teeth. The use of etching agents and cleansers with a demineralizing potential enhanced the pulpal response to composite resin restorations. Bacterial proliferation on the cavity walls around the composite restorations may be one of several factors causing the harmful pulpal responses found. The protective effect of a calcium hydroxide-containing cavity lining material was confirmed.