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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
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Development of a Direct Pulp-capping Model for the Evaluation of Pulpal Wound Healing and Reparative Dentin Formation in Mice
Published on: January 12, 2017
Evaluation of a new laboratory model for pulp healing: preliminary study
International Endodontic Journal
|September 19, 2008
Summary
This study demonstrates that mice are a feasible in vivo model for investigating pulpal healing after dental procedures. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) effectively promotes dentine bridge formation in mice, offering a new avenue for regenerative endodontics research.
Area of Science:
- Dental Research
- Regenerative Endodontics
- In Vivo Animal Models
Background:
- Pulp healing studies traditionally lack robust in vivo models.
- Understanding pulpal repair mechanisms is crucial for restorative dentistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using mice as an in vivo model for studying pulpal healing.
- To assess the efficacy of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in promoting pulpal repair in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- Direct pulp capping with MTA and composite resin was performed on mouse molars.
- Histological, immunohistochemical, SEM, and X-ray analyses were used to evaluate pulpal response and dentine bridge formation.
- Control groups received composite resin directly on the pulp.
Main Results:
- Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) treatment led to significant pulpal tissue changes and subsequent dentine bridge formation by 5-11 weeks.
- Dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) expression confirmed reparative dentine formation.
- Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray analysis verified calcification and characterized the globular morphology of the newly formed dentine bridge.
Conclusions:
- The mouse is a viable in vivo model for studying pulpal repair and the efficacy of dental materials.
- This murine model facilitates future research using genetically modified animals to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms of pulpal regeneration.
