Direct capping of human pulps with a dentin bonding system or with calcium hydroxide cement.

Abstract

To study human pulp reactions to direct cappings with a dentin adhesive compared with a calcium hydroxide cement, especially with respect to formation of hard tissue in the exposure site. Direct pulp cappings were made in 34 caries-free premolars scheduled for extraction due to orthodontic treatment. Half of the teeth were capped with a dentin adhesive, the other half with a calcium hydroxide cement. After periods of from 7 to 70 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for light microscopical examination. No postoperative sensitivity was experienced. A slight inflammatory reaction was seen in both groups in the short observation period. In the long observation period, significantly more "dentin bridging" was seen in the calcium hydroxide group than in the dentin adhesive group (P < .05). The findings from the present limited material is in accordance with previous findings from human studies and contraindicate use of dentin adhesives for direct pulp capping.