The response of four calcium hydroxides on monkey pulps

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Pulp capping aims to preserve pulp vitality using medicaments.
• Calcium hydroxide compounds are commonly used for pulp capping.
• Evaluating new and existing materials for efficacy is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare dentinal bridge formation and pulpal responses of four calcium hydroxide materials: MPC, Experimental MPC-12, Dycal, and Pulpdent.
• To assess the histological outcomes in primary and permanent monkey teeth following pulp capping procedures.

Main Methods:

• Class V cavity exposures were created in 60 primary and 60 permanent Rhesus monkey teeth.
• Four different calcium hydroxide materials were placed on exposed pulp tissue.
• Teeth were evaluated histologically at 3 days, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Dycal showed the least pulpal irritation, with 50% dentinal bridge formation in permanent teeth at 5 and 8 weeks.
• Experimental MPC-12, Pulpdent, and MPC showed limited or no dentinal bridge formation in permanent teeth.
• Primary teeth exhibited delayed or absent dentinal bridge formation with all materials, alongside moderate to severe pulpal responses.

Conclusions:

• Dycal appears to be a more favorable pulp capping agent compared to MPC, Experimental MPC-12, and Pulpdent, particularly in permanent teeth.
• Further research is needed to enhance dentinal bridge formation in primary teeth with calcium hydroxide materials.
• Histological evaluation is essential for understanding the long-term efficacy and pulpal response to pulp capping agents.