Evaluation of a bioceramic as a pulp capping agent in vitro and in vivo

This study aims to investigate the effects of the bioceramic iRoot BP Plus (Innovative Bioceramix Inc, Vancouver, Canada) as a pulp capping agent in vitro and in vivo.

In vitro, human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) were seeded into plates with the prepared iRoot BP Plus or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) packed in the bottom of different wells. The proliferation of hDPCs was determined using the 3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Meanwhile, 2 animal models of direct pulp capping and pulpotomy were applied in Wistar rats in vivo. The exposed pulps were capped with iRoot BP Plus or MTA. After 1 and 4 weeks, maxillary segments were obtained and prepared for histologic analysis.

hDPCs grew very well even in the place contacted with MTA or iRoot BP plus in vitro. MTA and iRoot BP Plus both enhanced the proliferation of hDPCs (P < .05). In vivo, results revealed that few inflammatory cells were present in the pulpal area corresponding to the pulp exposure. A slight layer of newly generated matrix was also observed next to MTA and iRoot BP Plus after 1 week. A complete reparative dentin bridge with polarizing odontoblastlike cells was detected in all specimens in the iRoot BP Plus group after 4 weeks.

iRoot BP Plus exhibited good biocompatibility to pulp tissue and induced the proliferation of dental pulp cells and the formation of reparative dentin bridge. iRoot BP plus may be used as a pulp capping material for vital pulp therapy.