Light-cured Tricalcium Silicate Toxicity to the Dental Pulp

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Pulp Biology
• Regenerative Dentistry

Background:

• Tricalcium silicates promote dentin bridge formation for pulp capping.
• Resins can cause pulp toxicity and inflammation.
• Hybrid materials combining tricalcium silicates and resins are used for direct pulp capping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of resin-containing tricalcium silicates (TheraCal) versus a resin-free alternative (Biodentine) on dental pulp interactions.
• To compare the biological responses of dental pulp fibroblasts and stem cells to TheraCal and Biodentine.

Main Methods:

• Dental pulp fibroblasts and stem cells (DPSCs) were cultured with biomaterial-conditioned media.
• Cell proliferation (MTT assay) and cytokine secretion (IL-8 ELISA) were measured.
• Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and nestin expression were analyzed by immunofluorescence.
• Whole tooth organ culture models were used to assess pulp interactions and mineralization.

Main Results:

• TheraCal significantly reduced fibroblast proliferation and increased IL-8 secretion, indicating cytotoxicity and inflammation.
• Biodentine did not affect fibroblast proliferation and showed no increase in IL-8.
• Biodentine promoted DSP and nestin expression in DPSCs, suggesting better pulp regeneration potential.
• TheraCal induced tissue disorganization, while Biodentine supported higher mineralization in whole tooth cultures.

Conclusions:

• Resin-containing TheraCal exhibits cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects on dental pulp, unlike Biodentine.
• TheraCal is not recommended for direct pulp capping due to adverse pulp responses.
• Biodentine demonstrates favorable biocompatibility and potential for pulp regeneration in direct pulp capping.