[Pulp and dentin responses to topical dexamethasone application]

The Authors have proposed to develop this research employing a preparation containing exclusively a cortisonic, the desametazone, in order to evaluate the alterations of the dentinogenesis to be attributed to such component. 32 cavities have been carefully drilled in dogs' cuspids. The 16 experimental cavities were dressed with desametazone, asbestos and amalgam in successive strata while in the 16 control cavities only asbestos and amalgam were used. Stainless steel bands were cemented on the processed teeth. The animals received 9 I.V. injections of tetracycline (10 mg per kg) each at 7 days interval. In the observation of the tetracycline markings under the experimental cavities (with desametazone) alterations of the dentinogenesis were not observed. Consequently, it seems that the action of desametazone is not to be considered harmful for the pulp tissue under the freshly cut dentine, as far as duration of the experiment is concerned.