Direct pulp capping with a dentinal adhesive resin system: a pilot study.

The clinical and histological responses of exposed pulpal tissue after direct capping appear to be more closely related to bacterial infiltration than to direct material toxicity. Dentinal bonding agents have been suggested as a replacement for calcium hydroxide for pulpal protection. In this pilot study, direct pulp capping with a glutaraldehyde-containing dentinal adhesive was performed on eight permanent premolars and molars. The teeth were immediately restored with a resin composite restoration. The clinical technique included the use of a calcium hydroxide paste to cover the exposure site during completion of the preparation. Enamel and dentin were etched with phosphoric acid. All teeth remained vital and without symptoms during the initial observation period of 2 to 6 months.