Effects of a new antibacterial adhesive on the repair capacity of the pulp-dentine complex in infected teeth.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of a self-etching/priming adhesive system, containing the antibacterial monomer 12-methacryloyloxy-dodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB), on the repair capacity of the pulp-dentine complex in infected cavities in dog's teeth.

METHODOLOGY

Class V cavities with a residual dentine thickness ranging from 0.3-0.8 mm were prepared on the buccal surface of permanent teeth in four dogs. Pulpal exposures were performed in half of the cavities. Millipore filters that had been incubated for 3 h in a 10(5) milky suspension of a-streptococci were placed in the cavities, which were then filled temporarily. After 24 h, the filters were removed and both the exposed and non-exposed cavities were washed with sterile saline and assigned to four groups which were treated with either the experimental antibacterial adhesive system, or Clearfil SE bond, Dycal and Teflon discs. Stereotype connective tissue reactions (inflammatory cell response and/or tissue necrosis) and pulp-specific reparative tissue responses (reduction of odontoblasts and tertiary dentine formation) were assessed at post-operative periods of 4 and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Neither severe inflammation nor tissue necrosis was observed, either in the dentinal cavities or pulpal exposures treated with the self-etch adhesive containing MDPB. Rates of tertiary dentine formation in infected dentinal cavities treated with this system were comparable with those observed after dentine treatment with the Ca(OH)2-based material. Dentinal bridging was not seen in pulpal exposures treated with the experimental adhesive.

CONCLUSIONS

The new antibacterial adhesive system maintained pulp vitality and primary odontoblastic function in infected nonexposed and exposed cavities but interfered with reparative dentine formation in infected pulpal exposures.