Highly efficient optical fiber sensor for instantaneous measurement of elevated temperature in dental hard tissues irradiated with an Nd:YaG laser.

In this in vitro experiment, the effect of 1.064 µm pulsed laser on both enamel- and dentin-dental tissues has been investigated. A total of fifty-five dental hard tissue samples were exposed to Nd:YAG laser that possesses a pulse width of 9 ns and 850 mJ of total energy. An optical fiber sensor was put behind the samples to measure the temperature instantaneously. A novel, to the best of our knowledge, fiber sensor has been proposed and used to measure the heat generated in dental hard tissues instantaneously after the application of laser irradiation on the tissue surface. This optical sensor exhibits a fast response time of about 1 ms and high sensitivity with about 1.975 nm/°C. The findings of this study in decreasing the probability of pulpal necrosis structure while handling the tooth, whether for ablation, welding, or tooth resurfacing purposes, may establish standards for dentists and laser manufacturers (healthcare professionals) that should be followed.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de una perforación radicular como complicación endodóntica Presentación de un caso / Surgical treatment of a radicular perforation as endodontic complication. Presentation of a case

Introducción: durante el tratamiento endodóntico existe la posibilidad de que ocurran accidentes y complicaciones por lo que el profesional debe tener el máximo cuidado y concentración, además de una sólida base de conocimientos y un buen manejo clínico durante el procedimiento endodóntico. Objetivo: determinar la efectividad del tratamiento quirúrgico de un falso conducto radicular en un diente con pronóstico desfavorable. Caso clínico: se presenta el caso de una paciente de 31 años de edad con antecedentes de necrosis pulpar en el 21, al cual se le realizó un tratamiento pulporradicular hace 3 años aproximadamente. Acude a consulta con un proceso fistuloso a nivel de tercio medio radicular de dicho diente y discromía de la corona. A los rayos X se observó presencia de falso conducto a nivel de tercio cervical radicular. Se realizó una técnica quirúrgica, obturación retrógrada del falso conducto con amalgama de plata y retratamiento del conducto principal. Luego se aplicó la técnica de peróxido de hidrógeno activado con calor combinado con perborato de sodio para la recromia, se obtuvieron resultados favorables. Conclusiones: la técnica aplicada ofrece ampliar el arsenal terapéutico del estomatólogo para la conservación de unidades dentarias destinadas a perderse por los criterios de tratamiento convencional(AU)

Introduction: during the endodontic treatment there is the possibility that accidents and complications occur so the professional must have the utmost care and concentration, as well as a solid base of knowledge and good clinical management during the endodontic procedure. Objective: to determine the effectiveness of the surgical treatment of a false root canal in a tooth with an unfavourable prognosis. Clinical case: we present the case of a 31-year-old patient with a history of pulpal necrosis in year 21, who underwent pulporradicular treatment approximately 3 years ago. The patient comes to consultation with a fistulous process at the level of the middle third of the tooth and crown dyschromia. X-rays showed the presence of a false duct at the level of the third cervical root. A surgical technique was performed, retrograde obturation of the false canal with silver amalgam and retreatment of the main canal. Then applied the technique of activated hydrogen peroxide with heat combined with sodium perborate for rejection, favourable results were obtained. Conclusions: the applied technique offers to extend the therapeutic arsenal of the stomatologist for the conservation of dental units destined to be lost by the criteria of conventional treatment(EU)

Zinc oxide eugenol and Endoflas pulpectomy in primary molars: 24-month clinical and radiographic evaluation.

CONTEXT: Despite modern advancement in material and technical aspect, management of infected primary molars is of prime concern in pediatric endodontics. An effective root canal material plays the major role in achieving the fluid impervious seal by defending against variant microflora and maintaining the tooth in function for longer duration. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate and compare the success of endoflas as root canal filling material in infected primary molars with zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary molars with necrotic pulp in healthy, cooperative children were selected. Ethical clearance and informed consent was obtained. Standardized pulpectomy procedure was done and root canals were filled with either ZOE or endoflas. Further follow-up with clinical and radiographic evaluation was carried at 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. The findings obtained were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Endoflas showed acceptable results as root canal filling material in primary molars even at 2-year follow-up, though overfilling of root canals led to low success rate compared to teeth with combined optimal and under fillings. There was no significant difference between the two materials (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endoflas could be a potential alternative to ZOE for preserving infected primary molars.

A retrospective study of traumatic dental injuries in primary dentition: treatment outcomes of splinting.

OBJECTIVE: Splinting in primary dentition is limited to several traumatic dental injuries. The prognosis associated with splint use has not been fully investigated. In this study, we investigated the outcomes of traumatic injuries in primary teeth treated with splinting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 137 children with root fractures and lateral and extrusive luxation injuries to their primary teeth who were treated with semi-rigid splints between 2010 and 2016. Treatment outcomes were analysed in patients with follow-up periods of >6 months. The outcomes of splinting were based on clinical and radiographic evaluations performed during follow-up examinations. RESULTS: In total, 182 primary teeth were examined, and of these, 90 teeth were treated using semi-rigid splints. In the splint group, pathological root resorption (31.1%) was the most common complication, whereas pathological tooth loss (25.0%) was found most common in the observation group. Splinting in root fractures showed a good prognosis, whereas in lateral and extrusive luxations, it did not (p < .05). There were no relationship between treatment delay and prognosis (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the type of luxation, splint therapy results in acceptable outcomes and may be a feasible treatment option.

Partial caries removal in deep caries lesions: a 5-year multicenter randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the outcomes of stepwise excavation (SW) and partial caries removal (PCR) regarding the maintenance of pulp vitality in deep caries lesions over 5 years. METHODS: At baseline, 299 permanent molars with deep caries lesions were randomly assigned to control or test groups. The control group received the stepwise excavation treatment (SW), while the test group received partial caries removal from the pulpal wall followed by restoration in a single session (PCR). Treatments were conducted in two centers located in the cities of Porto Alegre (South Brazil) and Brasília (Midwest Brazil). Survival analysis was performed to compare PCR and SW over time (Weibull regression models). The primary outcome of this study was pulp vitality, determined by the combination of the following characteristics: positive response to cold test, negative response to percussion, absence of spontaneous pain, and absence of periapical lesion (radiographic examination). RESULTS: This 5-year study includes data pertaining to 229 teeth: 121 teeth actually examined at the 5-year appointment, and 108 teeth contributed with data collected in previous follow-ups (18 months or 3 years). Survival analysis showed success rates of 80% in PCR group and 56% in SW group (p < 0.001). Failure was significantly associated with treatment [PCR, HR=0.38; 95%CI=0.23-0.63)] and region [South, HR=2.22; 95%CI=1.21-4.08]. CONCLUSION: PCR significantly reduced the occurrence of pulp necrosis when compared with SW. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study supports the PCR as a single-visit technique to manage deep caries lesions in permanent teeth.

Quiste óseo traumático mandibular: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Mandibular traumatic bone cyst: case report and literature review

El Quiste Óseo Traumático de la mandíbula es una cavidad intraósea sin revestimiento epitelial, considerado Pseudoquiste. Ha recibido diversas denominaciones debido a su etiología y patogenia inciertas, como Quiste Óseo Traumático, Quiste Óseo Solitario, Quiste Óseo Idiopático, entre otros. Es una lesión asintomática, que a menudo se diagnostica accidentalmente durante el examen radiológico de rutina, como una radiolucencia unilocular con bordes festoneados cuando está localizado entre las raíces dentarias. Presentamos un caso raro de Quiste Óseo Traumático en la sínfisis mandíbular, identificado radiográficamente, en una paciente de 14 años sin historia clara de trauma, diagnosticado y tratado con éxito.

The Traumatic Bone Cyst of the mandible is an intraosseous cavity without an epithelial lining, considered a pseudocyst. It has received various names due to its uncertain etiology and pathogenesis, such as Traumatic Bone Cyst, Solitary Bone Cyst, Idiopathic Bone Cyst, among others. It is an asymptomatic lesion, which is often diagnosed accidentally during routine radiological examination, as a unilocular radiolucency with scalloped edges when located between the dental roots. We present a rare case of Traumatic Bone Cysts in the mandibular symphysis, identified radiologically, in a 14-year-old patient without clear history of trauma, diagnosed and successfully treated .

Efectividad de la Remoción Parcial de Caries en Molares Primarios con Lesiones de Caries Profunda. Ensayo Clínico Aleatorizado / Effectiveness of Partial Caries Removal in Primary Molars with Deep Carious Lesions. Randomized Clinical Trial

RESUMEN: Para el tratamiento de lesiones de caries profundas la remoción parcial de caries (RPC) parece presentar ventajas por sobre la remoción completa de caries (RCC). Sin embargo, aún la evidencia es insuficiente para determinar si hay diferencias en relación a signos y síntomas del complejo dentino-pulpar entre ambos tratamientos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la efectividad de la remoción parcial de caries en lesiones de caries dentinarias activas profundas de molares primarios. Se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado de 2 brazos paralelos en 20 participantes entre 4 y 8 años. Los participantes fueron asignado aleatoriamente recibir remoción parcial de la lesión de caries mientras que el grupo control recibió remoción completa de la lesión de caries. La variable de resultado primaria fue éxito del tratamiento medido como la la ausencia de cualquier signo clínico y radiográfico de patología pulpar. Un enfoque de intención de tratar (ITT) se utilizó para el análisis primario y la tasa de supervivencia de cada tratamiento se estimó mediante análisis de Kaplan-Meier. Treinta y ocho dientes fueron incluidos en el estudio. Diecisiete dientes recibieron RPC y 21 RCC. El seguimiento promedio fue de 12,6± DE 5,0 meses para ambos grupos. La tasa de éxito clínico fue de un 94,1 % para la RPC y de 76,2 % para la RCC (p=0,132). La sobrevida estimada a los 18 meses fue de un 92,3 % para RPC y de un 75,9 % para la RCC (p>0,05). En conclusión, a pesar que la terapia RPC presentó menos complicaciones, no mostró ser más efectiva que la RCC en lesiones de caries dentinarias profundas de dientes primarios.

ABSTRACT: For the treatment of deep carious lesions, partial caries removal (PCR) appears to be advantageous over complete caries removal (CCR). However, and in light of insufficient evidence it is difficult to determine if there are differences between both treatments in relation to signs and symptoms of the dentin-pulp complex. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of partial caries removal in deep carious lesions of primary molars. A randomized two-arm parallel controlled trial was performed in 20 participants, 4 to 8 years of age. Participants were randomly assigned to receive partial removal of carious lesions, while the control group was submitted to complete carious lesion removal. The primary outcome variable of treatment success was measured as absence of any clinical and radiographic signs of pulpal pathology. An intention-to-treat (ITT) approach was used for the primary analysis, and the survival rate of each treatment was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Thirty-eight teeth were included in the study. Seventeen teeth received PCR and 21 CCR. The mean follow-up was 12.6 ± SD 5.0 months for both groups. The clinical success rate was 94.1 % for the PCR and 76.2 % for the CCR (p = 0.132). The estimated survival at 18 months was 92.3 % for PCR and 75.9 % for CCR (p> 0.05). In conclusion and according with this research, PCR did not show to be more effective than the CCR in treatment of deep carious lesions of primary teeth. However, the trend in the results favoring the PCR treatment could justify a future research to confirm or refute our results.

Preservation in Young Patients of Pulp Vitality and Anatomical-Functional Restoration of the Lost Structure.

Often, young patients (≤30 years old) present with carious lesions that progress acutely, compromising a large amount of tooth structure. In these cases, a treatment to prevent the occurrence of pulp exposure and promote remineralization of caries-affected dentin is necessary to maintain healthy dental structure and allow more conservative interventions. The approach will be different when pulp exposure occurs: The therapeutic treatments will be focused on reparative dentin formation and prevention of microorganisms penetrating the pulp organ. Due to the different possible treatments that can be performed to avoid pulp necrosis and the various materials that can be used for this purpose, professionals may have some difficulties understanding all the indications for conservative pulp treatments. The objective of this article is to describe and discuss a successful pulp capping and stepwise excavation associated with restorative treatment for deep caries lesions of anterior upper teeth.

Management of coronal discolouration following a regenerative endodontic procedure in a maxillary incisor.

Pulpal necrosis and infection in an immature anterior tooth subsequent to traumatic injury is a challenging situation. Regenerative endodontics, resulting in continued development of the tooth, provides a biological response to this clinical challenge. Regenerative endodontic procedures require disinfection of the infected root canal and sealing of the pulp canal space. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) provides a good seal, is biocompatible and allows the formation of a hard tissue to occur within the root canal. MTA, however, can lead to significant staining of the crown of the tooth that is difficult to mask. This case report describes the management of discolouration in an 11 year old girl subsequent to a regenerative endodontic procedure in an immature traumatized maxillary central incisor.

Natural reversal of tooth discoloration and pulpal response to testing following removal of a miniscrew implant for orthodontic anchorage: a case report.

AIM: To highlight the reversal of signs suggesting pulpal necrosis following removal of a mini-implant without endodontic intervention. SUMMARY: A 23-year-old woman presented with a class III malocclusion, with crowded and malformed teeth and excessive gingival display. During orthodontic treatment, a Tomas orthodontic miniscrew was placed between the root apices of the maxillary central incisors. This was carried out by an orthodontic specialist who had treated more than 700 patients (with more than 2000 mini-implants) over the past 9 years. After 2 weeks of treatment, the right maxillary central incisor discoloured and did not respond to electrical pulp tests (EPT) but was sensitive to endo-ice. The miniscrew was removed under local anaesthesia. Teeth 11 and 21 were fixed with ligation wire, and glass-ionomer cement (GIC) was added to the occlusal surfaces of the first and second maxillary molars to heighten the occlusion and disclude the maxillary anterior teeth. After 4 months, the colour and pulp reactions to EPT and endo-ice of tooth 11 returned to normal. Because the use of a miniscrew had appeared to damage the pulp, subsequent a conservative orthodontic treatment using, traditional 'J' hooks was used and achieved satisfactory results. After 23 months of orthodontic treatment, the treatment was complete and a 15-month follow-up showed a successful outcome.

Consequences of crown shortening canine teeth in Greenland sled dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the consequences of crown shortening, focusing on the prevalence of pulp exposure and periapical pathology in Greenland sled dogs that had had their canine crowns shortened at an early age. METHODS: Five cadaver heads and 54 sled dogs underwent an oral examination for dental fractures and pulp exposure of canines. All canines were radiographed and evaluated for periapical pathology. RESULTS: The prevalence of canine pulp exposure in 12 (5 heads and 7 dogs) crown shortened dogs was 91 · 7%, and 21 · 3% in 47 not-crown shortened dogs. A significant (P < 0 · 001) risk of pulp exposure of the canines in the crown shortened group compared to the not-crown shortened group was seen with a relative risk of 4 · 3 on a dog basis and a relative risk of 12 · 2 on a tooth basis. In dogs with pulp exposure of canines (n = 51) the prevalence of periapical pathology was 82 · 4%, but only 0 · 8% in dogs without pulp exposure (n = 133) resulting in a significant (relative risk, 109 · 5; P < 0 · 001) risk of periapical pathology in teeth with pulp exposure compared to teeth without pulp exposure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The high risk of periapical pathology observed in teeth with pulp exposure confirms that these teeth should not be neglected in affected dogs.

Pulp necrosis of teeth retained at the mandibular fracture site and the effect of dexamethasone on its occurrence.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose was to determine the occurrence of pulp necrosis (PN) of teeth retained at the mandibular fracture site. An additional purpose was to investigate whether perioperative use of dexamethasone increases the risk of PN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A follow-up study on 24 adult dentate patients with mandibular body, symphysis or parasymphysis fracture. These patients had been selected from a larger cohort who had participated in a randomized study of maxillofacial fractures and dexamethasone. All patients who were suspected of having a need for endodontic treatment were evaluated by an endodontist. RESULTS: PN was diagnosed in six patients (25.0%) in one or two teeth. Of a total of 33 teeth situated in the fracture line, six (18.2%) were diagnosed as having PN. PN was more common in teeth in which the fracture line ran through the apex (21.7%) than in those in which the fracture line was in contact with the tooth cranially to the apex (10.0%). The association between PN and dexamethasone was not significant. CONCLUSION: PN is common after mandibular fractures, particularly when the fracture line runs through the apex of the tooth. Use of short-term, high-dose dexamethasone perioperatively did not significantly increase the risk for PN.

Dentinogenic responses after direct pulp capping of miniature swine teeth with Biodentine.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate pulpal responses after experimental direct pulp capping of mechanically exposed teeth with a new calcium silicate-based dentin replacement material. METHODS: Thirty-four anterior and posterior teeth of 3 miniature swine were used. Class V or I cavities were prepared on the buccal or occlusal surfaces, respectively. Pulpal exposures were further performed using a round carbide bur 0.8 mm in diameter. Exposures were treated with white MTA Angelus (Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) or Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France), and the cavities were further restored with Biodentine. The pulpal tissue responses were histologically assessed at postoperative periods of 3 and 8 weeks. Data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Inflammatory infiltration or pulp tissue necrosis was not found in any of the specimens. All teeth showed mineralized matrix formation in the form of a complete hard tissue bridge composed of osteodentin or osteodentin followed by a discontinuous or continuous reparative dentin zone. A significantly higher thickness of the hard tissue bridge was found in the group of teeth treated with Biodentine at both 3 and 8 weeks. A number of teeth, which were under root development at the onset of the experimental procedures, exhibited ectopic pulp calcification. CONCLUSIONS: The application of both calcium silicate-based materials in direct contact with the mechanically exposed pulp of healthy miniature swine teeth led to pulp repair with complete hard tissue bridge formation. The thickness of hard tissue bridges was significantly higher after pulp capping with Biodentine.

Scaffolds to control inflammation and facilitate dental pulp regeneration.

In dentistry, the maintenance of a vital dental pulp is of paramount importance because teeth devitalized by root canal treatment may become more brittle and prone to structural failure over time. Advanced carious lesions can irreversibly damage the dental pulp by propagating a sustained inflammatory response throughout the tissue. Although the inflammatory response initially drives tissue repair, sustained inflammation has an enormously destructive effect on the vital pulp, eventually leading to total necrosis of the tissue and necessitating its removal. The implications of tooth devitalization have driven significant interest in the development of bioactive materials that facilitate the regeneration of damaged pulp tissues by harnessing the capacity of the dental pulp for self-repair. In considering the process by which pulpitis drives tissue destruction, it is clear that an important step in supporting the regeneration of pulpal tissues is the attenuation of inflammation. Macrophages, key mediators of the immune response, may play a critical role in the resolution of pulpitis because of their ability to switch to a proresolution phenotype. This process can be driven by the resolvins, a family of molecules derived from fatty acids that show great promise as therapeutic agents. In this review, we outline the importance of preserving the capacity of the dental pulp to self-repair through the rapid attenuation of inflammation. Potential treatment modalities, such as shifting macrophages to a proresolving phenotype with resolvins are described, and a range of materials known to support the regeneration of dental pulp are presented.

A histological and micro-CT investigation in to the effect of NGF and EGF on the periodontal, alveolar bone, root and pulpal healing of replanted molars in a rat model - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate, utilising micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histology, whether the topical application of nerve growth factor (NGF) and/or epidermal growth factor (EGF) can enhance periodontal, alveolar bone, root and pulpal tissue regeneration while minimising the risk of pulpal necrosis, root resorption and ankylosis of replanted molars in a rat model. METHODS: Twelve four-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sham, collagen, EGF and NGF. The maxillary right first molar was elevated and replanted with or without a collagen membrane impregnated with either the growth factors EGF or NGF, or a saline solution. Four weeks after replantation, the animals were sacrificed and the posterior maxilla was assessed using histological and micro-CT analysis. The maxillary left first molar served as the control for the corresponding right first molar. RESULTS: Micro-CT analysis revealed a tendency for all replanted molars to have reduced root length, root volume, alveolar bone height and inter-radicular alveolar bone volume. It appears that the use of the collagen membrane had a negative effect while no positive effect was noted with the incorporation of EGF or NGF. Histologically, the incorporation of the collagen membrane was found to negatively affect pulpal, root, periodontal and alveolar bone healing with pulpal inflammation and hard tissue formation, extensive root resorption and alveolar bone fragmentation. The incorporation of EGF and NGF did not improve root, periodontal or alveolar bone healing. However, EGF was found to improve pulp vascularisation while NGF-improved pulpal architecture and cell organisation, although not to the level of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate a possible benefit on pulpal vascularisation and pulpal cell organisation following the incorporation of EGF and NGF, respectively, into the alveolar socket of replanted molars in the rat model. No potential benefit of EGF and NGF was detected in periodontal or root healing, while the use of a collagen membrane carrier was found to have a negative effect on the healing response.

Novel management of avulsed tooth by pulpal and periodontal regeneration.

INTRODUCTION: The avulsion of anterior teeth of young children is a tragic occurrence and often presents an unparalleled challenge for the dentist. Reimplantation is the state-of-the-art treatment but may incur several complications, particularly with inappropriate posttraumatic management. METHODS: In this article we report the emergency and rehabilitation treatment of an avulsed maxillary anterior tooth by using platelet-rich fibrin. The osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of platelet-rich fibrin were used to stimulate pulpal and periodontal regeneration. RESULTS: During follow-up, no clinical signs and symptoms were present. After the initial 6 months, no further bone loss and attachment loss were observed. The tooth remained functional and was aesthetically acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: When a tooth is avulsed, attachment damage and pulp necrosis occur. Viable periodontal ligament cells are often left on most of the root surface. If the periodontal ligament that is left attached to the root surface does not dry out, the consequences of tooth avulsion are usually minimal.

[Spontaneous dental abscesses in familial hypophosphatemic rickets]. / Multipele spontane odontogene abcessen bij familiaire hypofosfatemische rachitis.

Symptoms of familial hypophosphatemic rickets are growth retardation, the formation of O- or X-legs, pain of the joints, spontaneous dental abscesses, and delayed tooth eruption. The dental symptoms are predominantly attributable to the demineralization of dentin. In absence of adequate preventive measurements,familial hypophosphatemic rickets may lead to spontaneous pulpal necrosis. The prophylactic application of occlusal sealants might be effective in preventing abscess formation.

Vital pulp therapy for the primary dentition.

The goal of primary tooth pulp therapy is the preservation of the primary teeth until their normal time of exfoliation. Teeth with carious involvement approaching the pulp can be treated with a variety of approaches, including three pulpotomy techniques--diluted formocresol, ferric sulfate, and mineral trioxide aggregate--and an indirect pulp therapy technique. Accurate diagnosis of the vitality status of the pulp is critical to the success of each treatment and involves careful radiographic and clinical assessment of the teeth to make sure that they are either healthy or reversibly inflamed.

Mineral trioxide aggregate for direct pulp capping: a histologic comparison with calcium hydroxide in rat molars.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies reported superior healing results for ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; Dentsply Tulsa) cement in direct pulp capping when compared to calcium hydroxide. However, this could not be confirmed by other authors. The aim of this study was to compare the reaction of MTA-treated rat pulp tissue to calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]-treated rat pulp tissue in direct pulp capping after 1 to 70 days. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Seventy-two caries- free, maxillary right and left first molars of 36 Wistar rats were prepared with an occlusal cavity. The pulp chambers were then perforated with a sharp probe. For each of four time periods, MTA was placed on the exposed pulp of 10 molars according to the manufacturer's instructions, and Ca(OH)2 was placed on 8 molars. All cavities were then filled with dentin adhesive and flowable composite. The animals were sacrificed 1, 3, 7, and 70 days after pulp capping. The pulps were histologically analyzed (light and transmission electron microscopic) for bacterial infection, inflammatory cells, necrosis, and reparative dentin and classified according to occurrence in scores from 1 to 4. To ensure that the coronal restorations did not leak, occlusal cavities were prepared in four maxillary molars of one rat. The coronal cavity was then sealed with resin. After 70 days, the rat was sacrificed, and the molars were immersed in new fuchsin. Data were statistically evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<.05). RESULTS: The MTA group showed statistically significantly lower signs of necrosis 1 and 3 days after pulp capping when compared with the Ca(OH)2 group (P<.05). No other statistically significant differences were found (P>.05). After 70 days, all pulps displayed healthy tissue. In the leakage test no specimens revealed any dye penetration. CONCLUSION: MTA showed equally good results as Ca(OH)2 and can berecommended clinically for direct pulp capping.

Effects of antibacterial agents on dental pulps of monkeys mechanically exposed and contaminated.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of antibacterial agents and mineral trioxide aggregate in the healing of bacterial contaminated primate pulps. STUDY DESIGN: The experiment required four adult male primates (Cebus opella) with 48 teeth prepared with buccal penetrations into the pulpal tissues. The preparations were performed under general anesthesia and the exposed pulps were exposed to cotton pellets soaked in a bacterial mixture consisting of microorganisms normally found in human pulpal abscesses obtained from the Endodontic Clinic of UNESP. Following bacterial inoculation (30 minute exposure), the pulpal tissue was immediately treated with either sterile saline, Cipro HC Otic solution (12), diluted Buckley' formecresol solution (12) or Otosporin otic solution (12) for 5 minutes. After removal of the pellet, hemostasis was obtained and a ZOE base applied to the DFC treated pulps and the non-treated controls (12). After hemostasis, the other exposed pulps were covered with mineral trioxide aggregate (ProRoot). The pulpal bases were all covered with a RMGI (Fuji II LC). The tissue samples were collected at one day, two days, one week and over four weeks (34 days). RESULTS: Following perfusion fixation, the samples were demineralized, sectioned, stained and histologically graded. After histologic analysis, presence of neutrophilic infiltrate and areas of hemorrhage with hyperemia were observed. The depth of the neutrophilic infiltrate depended on the agent or material used. The pulpal tissue treated with Otic suspensions demonstrated significantly less inflammation (Kruskal Wallis non parametric analysis, H = 9.595 with 1 degree of freedom; P = 0.0223) than the formocresol and control groups. The hard tissue bridges formed over the exposure sites were more organized in the MTA treatment groups than in the control and ZOE groups (Kruskal Wallis non parametric analysis, H = 18.291 with 1 degree of freedom; P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Otic suspensions and MTA are effective in treating bacterial infected pulps and stimulate the production of a hard tissue bridge over the site of the exposure.