Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of direct and indirect pulp capping materials

Karin Cristina Da Silva Modena,Carlos Ferreira Santos,Maria Teresa Atta,Josimeri Hebling,Carla Renata Sipert,Leslie Caroll Casas-Apayco,Carlos Alberto De Souza Costa,Maria Fidela De Lima Navarro

doi:10.1590/s1678-77572009000600002

Abstract

There are several studies about the cytotoxic effects of dental materials in contact with the pulp tissue, such as calcium hydroxide (CH), adhesive systems, resin composite and glass ionomer cements. The aim of this review article was to summarize and discuss the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of materials used for protection of the dentin-pulp complex, some components of resin composites and adhesive systems when placed in direct or indirect contact with the pulp tissue. A large number of dental materials present cytotoxic effects when applied close or directly to the pulp, and the only material that seems to stimulate early pulp repair and dentin hard tissue barrier formation is CH.

Highlights

The main purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore and maintain tooth health by an adequate restorative treatment in order to protect and re-establish pulp function
The results suggest that the amount of unconverted monomers on dentin should be reduced to avoid diffusion of the residual monomers to the pulpal space, resulting in chemical damage to the pulp tissue
Complementing the results presented above, the cytotoxic effects of five resin-modified GICs (RMGICs) and conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) on an odontoblast cell line were studied

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The main purpose of restorative dentistry is to restore and maintain tooth health by an adequate restorative treatment in order to protect and re-establish pulp function. Reparative dentin may be produced in response to physical and/or chemical injuries Odontoblasts maintain their processes inside the newly formed tissue, creating real channels that are responsible for dentin nutrition. This is a continuous process while the pulp is biologically active. The aim of this review article was to summarize and discuss the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of materials used for protection of the dentin-pulp complex, some components of resin composites and adhesive systems when in direct or indirect contact with the pulp tissue

LITERATURE REVIEW

CONCLUSION