Human pulp response after partial pulpotomy with two calcium hydroxide products

Twenty human permanent teeth were used to study the pulpal response of two calcium hydroxide products, Dycal and Pulpdent Multi-Cal, after partial pulpotomy. Teeth were extracted at 4 months, fixed, and prepared for histologic examination. All 10 teeth treated with Dycal showed complete soft tissue healing and bridge formation. No stained bacteria were seen throughout the serial sections. One tooth treated with Dycal showed acceptable histologic results, dentin deposition in the root canal. Six cases dressed with Pulpdent Multi-Cal showed acceptable histologic results, whereas four teeth showed severe inflammation or necrosis associated with bacterial penetration into the pulp tissue. Clinically, one tooth treated with Pulpdent Multi-Cal showed pulpal pain and was extracted at 90 days. Our data support the thesis that human permanent pulps will promote tissue healing and dentin bridge formation as long as bacterial microleakage is excluded.