[Pulpal response to diammine silver fluoride. (2). Application on exposed pulps]

Area of Science:

• Dental Pulp Biology
• Restorative Dentistry
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Exposed dental pulps present a clinical challenge requiring effective management to preserve pulp vitality.
• Diammine silver fluoride (DSF) is explored for its potential antimicrobial and remineralizing properties in various dental applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To histopathologically investigate the pulpal response to 38% diammine silver fluoride (DSF) applied directly to exposed pulps in mongrel dogs.
• To evaluate the protective efficacy of DSF against pulpal inflammation and necrosis when cavities are left unrestored.

Main Methods:

• Mongrel dogs underwent cavity preparation exposing the pulp tissue.
• 38% diammine silver fluoride (DSF) was applied to exposed pulps in the experimental group (n=28); the control group (n=27) received no treatment.
• Cavities were left unrestored, and specimens were evaluated histopathologically at 3, 7, and 30 days.

Main Results:

• Both groups exhibited severe pulpal inflammation (necrosis, suppuration, round cell infiltration, hyperemia) at 3 and 7 days.
• At 30 days, necrosis increased, while inflammation decreased, with minimal signs of healing (cicatrization, dentin apposition) observed in a few teeth in both groups.
• Histopathological evaluation indicated failure in most teeth across both groups, with DSF showing no protective effect.

Conclusions:

• Application of 38% diammine silver fluoride (DSF) did not demonstrate protective efficacy for exposed dental pulps in this study.
• The findings suggest that unrestored exposed pulps, regardless of DSF application, undergo significant pathological changes, leading to a high failure rate.