Pulpal reactions to surface-sealed silicate cement and composite resin restorations

The effect of surface sealing and presence of bacteria in connection with pulpal response to silicate cement and composite resin restorations was tested in monkey teeth. Surface-sealing of silicates reduced the pulpal reactions to this material, whereas no such effect was observed when composites were sealed. Bacteria regularly occurred on the cavity walls except underneath zinc oxide/eugenol (ZOE) fillings and when silicates were sealed with ZOE. The frequency of bacteria was higher in teeth with unacceptable pulpal responses (44 of 49) than in teeth with acceptable reactions (48 of 79).