Pulpal responses following direct pulp capping of healthy dog teeth with dentine adhesive systems

Objective. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pulpal responses following direct pulp capping of mechanically exposed teeth with new dentine adhesive systems, in the prectinical model of dog teeth. Methods. Class V cavities (approximately 2.50mm wide, 3.00mm long, 1.5-2.0 mm deep) were prepared on the buccal surface of permanent maxillary and mandibulary molars, two rooted premolars, canines and third incisors. The cavities were assigned to five experimental groups, representing one control group treated with a Ca(OH)(2)-based material and four experimental groups where the adhesive systems Clearfil SE Bond, Prompt-L-Pop, Etch Et Prime 3.0 and Single Bond were tested. The pulpal tissue responses to dentine adhesives were assessed at postoperative periods of 7, 21, 65 days. Results. Variable responses were recorded, which were characterized by moderate to severe inflammatory reactions, progressive extension of tissue necrosis with time and total absence of continuous hard tissue bridge formation after pulp capping with each of the four adhesive systems. Application of a Ca(OH)2-based material was characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, limited tissue necrosis as well as partial to complete hard tissue bridging. Conclusions. It seems evident that application of dentine adhesive systems in direct contact with the mechanically exposed pulp of healthy dog teeth cannot lead to acceptable repair of the dentine-pulp complex e.g. wound heating with tertiary dentine bridge formation. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.