Pulpo-dentin complex response after direct capping with self-etch adhesive systems.

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Pulp Biology

Background:

• Direct pulp capping aims to preserve pulp vitality after mechanical exposure.
• Self-etch adhesive systems (SEAS) are increasingly used in restorative procedures.
• Evaluating the biocompatibility of SEAS for direct pulp capping is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To morphologically assess feline teeth pulp response to direct pulp capping using two SEAS.
• To compare the outcomes of SEAS capping with a calcium hydroxide (CH) control and intact teeth.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four feline teeth underwent mechanical pulp exposure and were assigned to AdheSE or Adper Prompt L-Pop groups.
• Control groups included Dycal (CH) capping and intact teeth.
• Histological evaluation after 40 days assessed inflammation, tissue disorganization, reparative dentin, and bacteria.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in pulp response between the two SEAS (AdheSE and Adper Prompt L-Pop).
• Both SEAS groups exhibited significant inflammatory pulp response, tissue disorganization, and lack of dentinal bridge formation.
• The CH group showed significantly reduced inflammatory response and higher reparative dentin formation compared to SEAS groups.

Conclusions:

• SEAS are comparably effective for direct pulp capping but cause significantly more pulp tissue damage than CH.
• CH capping demonstrates superior outcomes in terms of reduced inflammation and enhanced dentinal repair.
• Further in vivo human studies are needed to determine safe and effective clinical applications of adhesive resin systems for direct pulp capping.