Response of exposed human pulp to application of a hemostatic agent and a self-etch adhesive

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the human dental pulp response after use of a hemostatic agent (Ankaferd Blood Stopper [ABS]) and a self-etching adhesive system (Clearfil Protect Bond [CPB]) in direct pulp capping.Materials and methods: For the first aim, 21 non-carious human third molar teeth scheduled for extraction were selected. Class I cavities with pulp exposures were prepared. In group 1, bleeding was controlled with sterile cotton pellets and restored with calcium hydroxide (CH) + ZnOE cement + amalgam. In group 2, bleeding was controlled with sterile cotton pellets and restored with CPB and a composite resin. In group 3, bleeding was controlled with ABS and restored with CPB and a composite resin. The teeth were extracted after 90 days, formalin-fixed, and prepared for histological investigation. The pulp response was categorized using the following criteria: inflammatory response, soft tissue organization, reparative dentine formation, and bacterial staining. Data were submitted to statistical analysis, using nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test.Results: In pulp response study, it showed no statistically significant differences between groups for all parameters (p > 0.05).Conclusions: The application of CPB and ABS in direct contact with the mechanically exposed pulp of healthy human teeth can lead to acceptable repair of the dentine–pulp complex, such as wound healing with tertiary dentine bridge formation.