Pulpal reactions in rat incisors to Caridex

This study examined the in vivo effects of Caridex, a chemomechanical caries removal system, on rat pulpal tissue. Rat incisors were opened and the pulps exposed to Caridex or physiological saline and sealed with calcium hydroxide. After various time periods, teeth were extracted and examined by light microscopy. Histological evaluation revealed an almost identical response in both test and control teeth which consisted of a transient inflammatory reaction and a limited necrosis in adjacent pulp tissue. Within seven days, formation of hard tissue matrix was seen below the necrotic area and on pulpal walls. It was suggested that the high pH of Caridex may have contributed to the necrotizing effect of calcium hydroxide in adjacent pulp tissue and the formation of hard tissue matrix. Additionally, the solution is most probably bactericidal. The results suggest that the system can be used as a caries removal agent on humans without unfavourable side effects on the dental pulp.