A critical analysis of research methods and experimental models to study pulpitis

Area of Science:

• Dental Research
• Inflammation Biology
• Experimental Pathology

Background:

• Pulpitis, an inflammatory dental pulp response, is classified as reversible or irreversible, guiding therapeutic decisions.
• Recent advances in pulp physiopathology promote vital pulp therapies, but require a deeper understanding of pulpitis mechanisms.
• Current therapeutic approaches necessitate improved comprehension of cell and tissue dynamics in pulpitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss significant experimental models used in studying dental pulpitis.
• To evaluate the contributions and limitations of various in vitro and in vivo models.
• To highlight the need for improved and standardized models for better clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vitro (2D/3D cell cultures, tissue/organ models) and in vivo animal models for pulpitis research.
• Analysis of models assessing cellular, tissue, and organ-level responses to pulpitis inducers.
• Evaluation of model capabilities in reflecting pulp inflammation, vascularization, and innervation.

Main Results:

• In vitro 2D models elucidated specific cell roles but lacked tissue complexity and cell interactions.
• In vitro 3D models better represented pulp structure but excluded vascular and neural analysis.
• In vivo models identified key immune, vascular, and nervous actors but often used non-representative induction methods.
• Existing models show substantial diversity, complicating extrapolation of experimental data to clinical scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Existing experimental models for pulpitis have inherent limitations in reflecting the complexity of the condition.
• Improved model design, standardization, and integration of novel technologies (biomarkers, AI) are crucial.
• Advancements in modeling are essential for enhancing the understanding and clinical application of vital pulp therapies.