Pulpal responses evaluated by two assessment systems. Use of Nobetec as negative and Super-Syntrex as positive control materials.

In the assessment of pulpal responses to dental materials there is no general agreement regarding which system should be used in the selection of histologic sections for assessment and which negative and positive control materials should be used. The present study is an evaluation, on 227 sections, of two pulpal assessment systems and three section-selection methods using a negative (zinc oxide and eugenol cement) and a positive (silicate) control material. The results indicate that, depending on which system is used, considerable variation in response can be noted. Better standardization of methods is necessary.