Clinical, radiographic, and histologic analysis of the effects of acemannan used in direct pulp capping of human primary teeth: short-term outcomes.

Abstract

Acemannan has been previously reported as a direct pulp-capping agent in animal study. This natural material demonstrated its biocompatibility and enhanced reparative dentin formation. The objective of this study was to investigate the action of acemannan as a direct pulp-capping material in human primary teeth with deep caries. Forty-two deeply carious mandibular primary molars from 37 children, aged 7-11years old diagnosed with reversible pulpitis were studied. After completely removing the infected dentine, teeth with a pinpoint pulpal exposure were randomly divided into two treatment groups: acemannan or calcium hydroxide. A glass-ionomer cement base was applied to all teeth prior to restoration with stainless steel crowns. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed 6months post-treatment. The teeth due to exfoliate were extracted and histopathologically evaluated for inflammation, dentine bridge formation, and soft tissue organization. At 6months, the overall clinical and radiographic success rates of direct pulp capping with acemannan and calcium hydroxide at 6months were 72.73 and 70.0%, respectively. The histopathological results indicated that the acemannan-treated group had significantly better histopathological responses compared with the calcium hydroxide-treated group (p<0.05). These data suggest acemannan offers a valuable alternative biomaterial for vital pulp therapy in primary teeth.