Pulpal response to a new adhesive restorative resin.

The pulpal response to a new adhesive restorative resin was histopathologically investigated using dogs, and was compared with a representative conventional resin. When filled without etching and cavity wall lining, bacterial penetration and pulpal response were less with the new resin. Lining of dentin walls and total etching of cavity walls, including dentin, caused less pulpal response under the new resin. Cavities which were totally etched and filled with the new resin showed only a slight pulpal response and no bacterial penetration.