SEM evaluation of pulp reaction to different pulp capping materials in dog's teeth

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Research
• Regenerative Dentistry

Background:

• Pulp capping aims to preserve dental pulp vitality.
• Evaluating novel biomaterials is crucial for effective pulp capping.
• Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Calcium Hydroxide (CH), and Calcium-Enriched Mixture (CEM) are investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the in vivo efficacy of CEM, MTA, and CH as direct pulp capping materials.
• To compare the regenerative potential of these materials on dental pulp tissues.
• To evaluate the formation of reparative dentin.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen dog canine teeth underwent pulp exposure.
• Cavities were capped with CEM, MTA, or CH, followed by glass ionomer restoration.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyzed the material-pulp interface after 2 months.

Main Results:

• All tested materials induced dentinal bridge formation.
• Odontoblast-like cells were observed, forming a collagen network.
• Calcification of the collagen network led to the development of a new dentinal bridge.

Conclusions:

• CEM, MTA, and CH are effective in inducing calcified tissue repair beneath pulp capping materials.
• CEM demonstrates significant potential as a direct pulp capping agent in vital pulp therapy.
• These findings support the use of these biomaterials in regenerative endodontic procedures.