Pulp tissue reactions to a dentin bonding agent as a direct capping agent

The aim of this study was to investigate the response of human pulp tissue to a dentin bonding agent, Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus (SMPP), in exposed class V cavities. Sixteen human premolar teeth were mechanically exposed. Ten pulps were capped with SMPP and six teeth were capped with Dycal. The cavities were filled with a composite. After 40 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for histologic evaluation. Of the 10 teeth capped with SMPP, eight showed moderate chronic inflammation, one was severely inflamed, and one pulp had no to slight inflammation. None of the teeth capped with SMPP showed dentin bridge formation. Of the six teeth capped with Dycal, three exhibited incomplete dentin bridges associated with no to slight inflammation, and three showed no to slight inflammation, without formation of dentin bridges. Direct capping with Dycal with subsequent sealing with SMPP may show favorable results in pulp tissue. SMPP may cause inflammatory changes when applied directly to exposed pulp tissue.