Response of human pulp capped with a bonding agent after bleeding control with hemostatic agents

This study evaluated the response of human pulps capped with a bonding agent after bleeding control with different hemostatic agents.

Twenty-five Class II cavities were prepared in 25 caries-free human premolars scheduled for extraction due to orthodontic treatment. The pulp exposures were performed on the occlusal floor. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups. Groups 1-4 were capped with an adhesive system after hemostasis with different agents: Group 1--saline solution; 2--ferric sulfate; 3--2.5% NaOCl; 4--Ca(OH)2 solution. In Group 5, after hemostasis with saline solution, the pulp was capped with calcium hydroxide (control group). Then, ScotchBond Multi Purpose Plus was applied and the resin composite Z-100 placed incrementally according to the manufacturers' directions. After 60 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for light microscopic examination (HE) and the groups were categorized in a histological score system. The data were subjected to a non-parametric test (alpha=0.05).

Overall, the histological features showed that the pulp response from Groups 1 through 4 was inferior to the response from Group 5, where dentin bridging occurred. In all groups, where the adhesive system was used for capping, the pulp response varied from an acute inflammatory, with varying degrees, to necrosis. No dentin bridge was formed after adhesive capping.