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Melatonin as an Agent for Direct Pulp-Capping Treatment
Julia Guerrero-Gironés1, Antonia Alcaina-Lorente2, Clara Ortiz-Ruiz3
1Special Care and Gerodontology Unit, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30008 Murcia, Spain.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 12, 2020
Summary
Melatonin shows promise as a direct pulp capping agent, similar to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). Oral melatonin did not enhance its local effects or reduce oxidative stress in this study.
Area of Science:
- Dental Pulp Biology
- Regenerative Dentistry
- Endodontics
Background:
- Melatonin regulates bone growth and may influence odontoblasts similarly to osteoblasts.
- Direct pulp capping is crucial for maintaining pulp vitality.
- Investigating novel biomaterials for pulp repair is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pulp response to melatonin as a direct pulp capping agent.
- To assess the antioxidant effect of orally administered melatonin on dental pulp.
- To compare melatonin's efficacy with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA).
Main Methods:
- Direct pulp capping performed on Sprague Dawley rat molars using melatonin or MTA.
- Four study groups: MTA; Melatonin; MTA + oral melatonin; Melatonin + oral melatonin.
- Histological evaluation of pulp inflammation, necrosis, reparative dentin, odontoblastic layer, and fibrosis after 30 days.
- Oxidative stress assessment via TBARS testing in blood, kidneys, and liver.
Main Results:
- No significant histological differences were observed between the four study groups.
- Oral melatonin administration did not alter the local effects of MTA or melatonin on pulp.
- Oral melatonin did not reduce basal oxidative stress levels.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin exhibits pulp-healing effects comparable to MTA for direct pulp capping.
- Melatonin may serve as a viable alternative agent for direct pulp capping procedures.
- Oral melatonin supplementation did not provide additional benefits in this experimental model.
