A histopathologic study of direct pulp-capping with adhesive resins.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic pulp responses of Optibond and Syntac adhesive resin systems placed directly on exposed pulp tissues.

STUDY DESIGN

Class V facial cavities with pulpal exposures were prepared in dogs. After acid etching of enamel margins, the cavities were restored with a composite resin after pulp-capping with one of the dentin bonding agents. The remaining exposures were capped with calcium hydroxide and amalgam as controls. The animals were killed after 7, 21, and 90 days and the pulps were evaluated histologically. Statistical analysis was carried out with the chi-square test.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference with respect to inflammatory cell response, fibrosis, bleeding, or bacterial staining criteria over the time intervals of evaluation among the Optibond, Syntac, and calcium hydroxide groups. New dentin formation was also observed for all of the groups at the end of 90 days.

CONCLUSION

The results of direct pulp-capping with a dentinal adhesive and composite resin appear promising but further in vivo studies are recommended.