Pulpal response to dentin etched with 10% phosphoric acid

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Histopathology

Background:

• Dental restorations often involve dentin bonding agents.
• Cavity preparations near the dentin-enamel junction (DEJ) require careful material selection.
• Understanding the pulpal response to etching sound dentin is crucial for pediatric and orthodontic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To histopathologically evaluate the effect of etching sound dentin with 10% phosphoric acid.
• To assess pulpal tissue response in cavities prepared within the DEJ in young patients.

Main Methods:

• Class V cavities were prepared in premolars of young orthodontic patients.
• Dentin was either etched with 10% phosphoric acid or protected by a glass ionomer liner.
• Restorations involved dentin bonding agents and microfilled composite resins.
• Teeth were extracted after 14 days for histological examination of pulpal tissues.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in pulpal histopathology was observed.
• Etched dentin, dentin with a liner, and negative control teeth showed similar pulpal responses.
• Histopathological indicators like necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions:

• Etching sound dentin with 10% phosphoric acid in preparations within the DEJ does not induce significant pulpal insult in young patients.
• The use of a glass ionomer liner prior to etching provides similar pulpal protection.
• These findings support the conservative use of phosphoric acid etching in specific clinical scenarios.