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The dental pulp: inflammatory markers and vital bleaching
Orlando J Fugaro1, Jessica O Fugaro, Bruce Matis
1San Mateo Branch Clinic, U.S. Navy, Camp Pendelton, CA, USA.
American Journal of Dentistry
|November 22, 2005
Summary
Night guard vital bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide did not significantly increase the expression of substance-P (SP) or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in dental pulp. This study found no evidence of heightened inflammatory neuropeptide release during this common teeth whitening procedure.
Area of Science:
- Dental Pulp Biology
- Neuropeptide Research
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Night guard vital bleaching is a popular cosmetic dental procedure.
- Concerns exist regarding potential pulpal inflammation from bleaching agents.
- Substance-P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are key neuropeptides involved in neurogenic inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of SP and CGRP in dental pulp following vital bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide.
- To determine if night guard vital bleaching induces an inflammatory response at the neuropeptide level.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients undergoing orthodontic extraction of premolars participated.
- Teeth were subjected to varying durations of 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching (0 days, 4 days, 2 weeks, 2 weeks + 2 weeks rest).
- Pulp samples were analyzed using ELISA to quantify SP and CGRP concentrations.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in mean SP or CGRP levels were observed among the control and experimental bleaching groups.
- The concentrations of these neuropeptides did not increase with increased bleaching duration or after a resting period.
Conclusions:
- Night guard vital bleaching using 10% carbamide peroxide gel does not appear to elevate the release of SP and CGRP in the dental pulp.
- The findings suggest that this vital bleaching method may not trigger a significant neurogenic inflammatory response in the pulp tissue.