Human dental pulp stem cell responses to different dental pulp capping materials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Dentistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Direct pulp capping is a critical vital pulp therapy for managing dental pulp exposure.
• Successful pulp capping relies on materials that promote dentin bridge formation and maintain pulp vitality.
• This study evaluates four dental materials: DyCal®, ProRoot® MTA, Biodentine™, and TheraCal™ LC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the in vitro effects of four direct pulp capping materials on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).
• To assess cytotoxicity, proliferation, migration, and odonto/osteogenic differentiation potential of hDPSCs when exposed to these materials.

Main Methods:

• Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were isolated and characterized.
• Extraction media from DyCal®, ProRoot® MTA, Biodentine™, and TheraCal™ LC were prepared.
• Assays included cytotoxicity, proliferation, cell attachment, spreading, migration, alkaline phosphatase activity, Von Kossa staining, alizarin red S staining, and gene expression analysis.

Main Results:

• ProRoot® MTA and Biodentine™ exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to DyCal® and TheraCal™ LC.
• hDPSCs cultured with ProRoot® MTA and Biodentine™ media showed enhanced proliferation, attachment, spreading, and migration.
• Mineralization and odonto/osteogenic differentiation were improved in hDPSCs exposed to ProRoot® MTA and Biodentine™ media.

Conclusions:

• ProRoot® MTA and Biodentine™ demonstrate favorable in vitro biocompatibility and bioactive properties on hDPSCs.
• These materials suggest superior regenerative potential for vital pulp therapy compared to DyCal® and TheraCal™ LC.
• The findings support the use of ProRoot® MTA and Biodentine™ in clinical applications for direct pulp capping.