Odontogenic effect of a fast-setting pozzolan-based pulp capping material

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endodontics
• Regenerative Dentistry

Background:

• Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a standard for pulp capping.
• A novel MTA-derived fast-setting pozzolan cement, Endocem, has been introduced.
• Investigating Endocem's efficacy is crucial for endodontic advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biocompatibility and odontogenic potential of Endocem in vitro.
• To assess Endocem's efficacy in promoting reparative dentin formation in vivo.
• To compare Endocem's performance against a marketed MTA (ProRoot).

Main Methods:

• In vitro: Human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) assessed for morphology and viability.
• Chemical composition analyzed via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
• In vivo: Rat pulp exposures capped with Endocem or ProRoot, followed by histological analysis after 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• Endocem exhibited similar biocompatibility and elemental composition to ProRoot MTA.
• Both materials significantly enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation in hDPCs.
• Odontogenic marker expression and tertiary dentin formation were comparable between Endocem and ProRoot groups, with minimal inflammation observed.

Conclusions:

• Endocem demonstrates equivalent biocompatibility and odontogenic effects to ProRoot MTA.
• Endocem is a viable and effective alternative for pulp capping procedures.
• The findings support Endocem's use in endodontic applications requiring pulp protection and regeneration.