The Effects of Endosequence Root Repair Material on Differentiation of Dental Pulp Cells

Introduction: Pulp capping techniques aim at preserving the vitality of pulp tissue, thus avoiding more invasive endodontic procedures. Endosequence Root Repair Material (ERRM; Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) has been recently introduced as a potential pulp capping material. It is hypothesized that ERRM promotes the healing of dental tissue, thus maintaining the integrity and vitality of the pulp after pulp capping procedures. However, the exact mechanism by which ERRM affects the pulp after pulp capping procedures is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this research was to delineate the effects of ERRM on the dental pulp and compare these effects to those of Pro Root MTA. Methods: The effects of ERRM on dental pulp cells (DPCs) were compared with Pro Root mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK). The effects of the 2 materials on the cells were analyzed using various assays such as flow cytometric analysis using FITC Annexin V and PI (BD Biosciences, Franklin Lakes, NJ), WST-1 proliferation assay (Millipore, Billerica, MA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance with a post hoc Tukey test and the level of significance set at P <=.05. Results: The results showed that DPCs had similar percentages of viable cells when grown on either material. Furthermore, the proliferation rates, secretion of VEGF,,and levels of ALP were similar for DPCs when cultured on either ERRM or ProRoot MTA. Conclusions: Overall, this study showed similar survival and proliferation of DPCs when in contact with ERRM or ProRoot MTA, which could make it a suitable alternative for pulp capping procedures.