Early dentinal and pulpal changes following cavity preparations and filling materials in dogs

Abstract

T HE primary purpose of this investigation was to study the early dentinal and pulpal response of the teeth of dogs to cavity preparations and different filling materials. A secondary purpose was to develop a comparative histologic evaluation in terms of the degree of pulpal inflammation and degree and type of response of the dentine. Only one comparative study dealing with the early changes in teeth of dogs following dental fillings has been reported. James and Diefenbachl studied twenty-seven teeth which were filled with zinc oxide and eugenol for a period of four to eight days. Pulpal reactions were noted also in open cavities. In cavities filled with zinc oxide and eugenol, however, the reaction was either absent or less severe.