The biocompatibility of a new endodontic paste used in dental trauma

Adriana De Jesus Soares,Alexandre Augusto Zaia,Brenda Paula Figueiredo De Almeida Gomes,Maíra Do Prado,Mariana Amade Mendes Brazão

doi:10.1590/1807-2577.0079

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title><sec><title>Objective</title>This study investigated the short-term subcutaneous tissue reaction of a new endodontic paste, based on the association among calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX) and zinc oxide (ZnO) in comparison with a control paste, and the individual substances alone.</sec><sec><title>Material and method</title>Twenty-four male wistar rats were used. Polyethylene tubes containing the materials were implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of rats. Empty implanted tubes served as controls. The materials used were: Ca(OH)2+CHX+ZnO paste in two different proportions (2:1:2) and (2:1:3), a control paste, Ca(OH)2+CHX (2:1), and the substances alone. After time intervals of 2, 3, 7 and 15 days, the animals were euthanized and the specimens prepared for histological processing. Data were evaluated qualitatively according to the levels of tissue repair and the degree of inflammation.</sec><sec><title>Result</title>On the second day all the materials were observed to cause a severe inflammatory response. On the third day, the pastes Ca(OH)2+CHX+ZnO (2:1:2) and (2:1:3) showed reduction in degree of inflammation. On seventh day the tissue was already more organized with presence of collagen fibers in all materials. After 15 days it was found that compound Ca(OH)2+CHX+ZnO (2:1:2) showed areas with no inflammatory infiltrate.</sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title>The experimental pastes, Ca(OH)2+CHX+ZnO in two different proportions (2:1:2) and (2:1:3), showed favorable results with respect to biocompatibility, when evaluated for a short-term.</sec>

Highlights

Worldwide, 20–30% of 12-year-old children experience dental trauma that may lead to damage of the developing dentition[1]
Apexification is the process that allows the formation of a calcified barrier across the open apex, after pulp necrosis, creating a suitable environment within the root canal and periapical tissues[8]
The high costs and difficulties in handling the material have restricted its widespread use[8,12]. The disadvantages of both calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) have encouraged a search for alternatives

Summary

INTRODUCTION

20–30% of 12-year-old children experience dental trauma that may lead to damage of the developing dentition[1]. Apexification is the process that allows the formation of a calcified barrier across the open apex, after pulp necrosis, creating a suitable environment within the root canal and periapical tissues[8]. The high costs and difficulties in handling the material have restricted its widespread use[8,12] The disadvantages of both calcium hydroxide and MTA have encouraged a search for alternatives. A promising alternative to achieve the goal of apexification is the mixture of this well-known medication, calcium hydroxide, with 2% chlorhexidine gel and zinc oxide. This may be a low cost, easy to use, providing a mineralizing material with high radiopacity and no need for periodic exchanges[11,13]. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term subcutaneous tissue reactions of a new endodontic paste, based on the association among calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX) and zinc oxide (ZnO) in comparison with a control paste, and the individual substances alone

MATERIAL AND METHOD

RESULT

DISCUSSION