Vital Pulp Therapy Research Articles

Indian Endodontic Society: Position statement for deep caries management and vital pulp therapy procedures

ABSTRACT This position statement on Vital Pulp Therapy (VPT) procedures, endorsed by the Indian Endodontic Society (IES), aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the management of deep caries and exposed pulp within the realm of endodontic practice. VPT serves as the cornerstone of modern endodontics, particularly with advancements in biomaterials and regenerative methods. Its primary goal is to preserve the vitality of the dental pulp while simultaneously promoting the overall health of the tooth and periapical structures. In the diverse and dynamic landscape of Indian dentistry, the IES recognizes the need for a position statement tailored to the unique needs and challenges encountered by dental practitioners in India. This position statement presents evidence-based recommendations on VPT, considering not only international perspectives from reputed international organizations, but also the distinct factors influencing dental care in India. Drawing upon the collective expertise of the expert committee, this statement addresses key aspects of VPT, including patient selection, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment techniques, and follow-up protocols. While conventional endodontic therapy remains important, IES emphasizes the significance of VPT in well-selected cases. The statement also addresses areas of potential conflict, identifies avenues for future research, and presents the current status based on the best available scientific evidence. By providing a comprehensive overview of VPT, this position statement aims to serve as a valuable guide for dental practitioners, educators, and researchers, fostering optimal patient care and advancing the field of endodontics in India through evidence-based practice and continuous learning.

Evaluation of the pulp response following direct pulp capping with exogenous nitric oxide and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) a histologic study

BackgroundRecently, vital pulp therapy is widely used all over the world. It aims to maintain the viability and function of the injured dental pulp tissue. Direct pulp capping is recognized as one of the most common used techniques in this approach. Aim of the studywe aimed to compare the histopathological response of the dental pulp following direct pulp capping using two different capping materials; the exogenous nitric oxide (NOC-18) and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) in dogs’ teeth. Methods and materialsThe pulp of thirty-two premolars and canines from four dogs (eight teeth per each dog) the pulp was exposed and treated with either exogenous nitric oxide (NOC-18) and MTA (four teeth in each group). The treated teeth were extracted and prepared for histologic evaluation after one month and three months, respectively. The histologic study evaluated the formation of dentine bridge, the degree of pulpitis, calcification of the coronal pulp tissue and odontoblasts layer activity. We have the ethical approval to achieve this research from the scientific committee in Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University. ResultsThe results showed that the active statue of odontoblasts layer in NOC-18 group was significantly more than in MTA group after a month of recall (P: 0.003). No significant difference was found between MTA and NOC-18 categories in the formation of dentine bridge after 3 months (P: 1.000). ConclusionExogenous nitric oxide (NOC-18) maybe has a positive impact on formation of calcified bridge and efficacy of odontoblasts layer on directly capped dog's teeth. Exogenous NO donors might offer alternative to current pulp capping agents in Vital Pulp Therapy in endodontic.

Effectiveness of Pulpotomy Procedures in Mature Permanent Teeth with Irreversible Pulpitis

The standard treatment for permanent teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis is pulpectomy and root canal therapy. However, with introduction of biomaterials like calcium silicate cements which are promoters of biomineralization, and vital pulp therapy procedures for preserving and maintaining pulp tissue, this position could be relative.

SrCuSi4 O10 /GelMA Composite Hydrogel-Mediated Vital Pulp Therapy: Integrating Antibacterial Property and Enhanced Pulp Regeneration Activity.

Vital pulp therapy (VPT) is considered a conservative treatment for preserving pulp viability in caries-induced dental pulp infections. However, bacterial contamination negatively affects dentine-pulp complex repair. The common capping materials show limited antimicrobial effects against some microorganisms. To improve the VPT efficacy, capping materials with increased antibacterial properties and enhanced odontogenic and angiogenic activities are needed. Herein, a SrCuSi4 O10 /gelatin methacrylate(SC/Gel) composite hydrogel has been proposed for infected dental pulp treatment. SrCuSi4 O10 (SC) is a microscale bioceramic composed of assembled multilayered nanosheets that possesses good near-infrared photothermal conversion ability and multiple bioactivities due to sustained Sr2+ , Cu2+ , and SiO3 2- ion release. It is shown that the SC/Gel composite hydrogel efficiently eliminates Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei and inhibits biofilm formation under photothermal heating, while the ion extract from SC promotes odontogenesis of rat dental pulp stem cellsand angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The as-designed therapeutic effect of SC/Gel composite hydrogel-mediated VPT has been proven in a rat dental pulp infection model and yielded improved dentine-pulp complex repair compared with the commercially used iRoot® BP Plus. This study suggests that the SC/Gel composite hydrogel is a potential pulp-capping material with improved effects on dentine-pulp complex repair in infected pulp.

Morphological Interface Between Restorative and Pulp-Capping Materials: A Systematic Review.

Bioceramic materials (BCMs) are widely used in vital pulp therapy (VPT) for their biocompatibility and bioactivity; however, their mechanical properties are equally important in the clinical outcome of the pulp-capped teeth. To carry out an analysis of the research produced on the morphology of the interface between BM and restorative materials (RM) through a systematic review. An electronic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science until December 9, 2022. The keywords used in combination with truncation and Boolean operators were: (morphology OR filtration OR porosity) AND (silicate OR composite) AND (cement) AND ("pulp capping" OR "vital pulp therapy" OR "vital pulp treatment"). Of the 387 articles initially retrieved from the electronic search databases, 5 articles met the criteria for qualitative data collection. MTA and Biodentine were the most studied BCMs. All the articles used a scanning electron microscope as a method of evaluating the samples. Sample sizes and setting times of RM and BCMs differed between studies. Three out of 5 studies used similar conditions of recorded temperature and humidity of 37°C and 100%, respectively. The different biomaterials used, the application of adhesive systems, humidity and restoration time affect the bonding performance and the ultrastructural interface between BCMs and RMs. The scarcity of research on this point makes it necessary to delve into it and study new materials to obtain more scientific evidence.

Vital pulp therapy for permanent teeth with diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis: biological basis and outcome.

Root canal treatment (RCT) has been considered the conventional standard for the management of teeth with carious pulp exposure, particularly in mature teeth presenting with symptoms. Following a better understanding of the histopathology of deep carious lesions, the histology of the cariously exposed pulp and the healing potential of the inflamed pulp, vital pulp therapy (VPT) is increasingly adopted around the world for the management of permanent teeth with clinical signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. Furthermore, VPT became a recognized treatment modality by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE) and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) by virtue of its high success rates reported in outcome studies using contemporary hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements. However, proper case selection, strict asepsis, capping materials and good coronal seal are mandatory for success. The aim of this paper is to review the biological basis for VPT in symptomatic teeth with carious pulp exposure and to report on the outcome of pulpotomy in teeth with clinical diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis.

Potential Combination of Acemannan Sponge and Calcium Phosphate Cement-Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate (CPC-CSH) as Direct Pulp Capping Alternative Materials for Reparative Dentin Formation

Abstract Background Health problem that affects hard tissues of the teeth is dental caries, which is experienced by around 2.3 billion people in the world, with prevalence in Indonesia reaching 88.8. Direct pulp capping (DPC) is a vital pulp therapy used to maintain pulp vitality. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is the gold standard pulp capping material, but has poor adhesion to dentin and mechanical properties, bacterial infiltration, formation of tunnel defects in the pulp resorption, and dentin bridge. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative therapy, namely, a combination of acemannan sponge and calcium phosphate cement (CPC)-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) for reparative dentin formation. Purpose This article describes the potential combination of acemannan sponge and CPC-CSH as DPC alternative materials for reparative dentin formation. Reviews Acemannan extracted from aloe vera exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytocompatibility properties. As DPC material, acemannan induces pulp proliferation and differentiation to osteoblast-like, growth factor synthesis, and promotes reparative dentin formation. However, acemannan sponge is radiolucent, allowing misinterpretation between pulp and acemannan sponge. CPC can be combined with CSH to shorten the setting time. CPC-CSH is radiopaque, has good compressive strength, and biocompatibility. CPC-CSH is a calcium-based material with neutral pH that can induce the dentin bridge formation. CPC-CSH showed good bioactivity because it induces the formation of apatite which plays a significant part in dentin and pulp regeneration. Conclusion The combination of acemannan sponge and CPC-CSH has the potential as DPC alternative materials for reparative dentin formation.

Human Digested Dentin Matrix for Dentin Regeneration and the Applicative Potential in Vital Pulp Therapy

IntroductionHuman dentin is a natural acellular matrix with excellent reported biocompatibility. The aim was to fabricate a novel dentin matrix material from human dentin and investigate its applicative potential for vital pulp therapy. MethodsDigested dentin matrix extract (DDME) was fabricated using controlled enzymatic digestion under acidic conditions. The surfaces and biocompatibility of DDME were then investigated, with its effects on the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) also studied. The ability of DDME to induce mineralization was assessed in a nude mouse model. The performance of DDME as a pulp capping agent was evaluated in an in situ rat model. The molecular mechanism was verified by mRNA sequencing. ResultsA novel type of dentin matrix material with a uniform size of 8 μm was fabricated. DDME had a similar band compared with grinded dentin matrix, with a smaller size, and more uneven surface, as detected by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. DDME at low concentrations did not affect hDPC viability or proliferation, but enhanced runt-related transcription factor 2, dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1, and COL1A1 (collagen type I alpha 1 chain) expression in hDPCs in vitro. DDME was superior to HA-TCP (hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate) in dentin-like mineralized tissue formation after subcutaneous transplantation. In the rat model of pulpotomy, DDME showed visible curative effects. The underlying mechanism may be the inhibition of Hippo signaling following DDME treatment. DDME promoted Yes-associated protein (YAP) 1 nuclear influx, thereby enhancing the expression of DMP-1 (dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1), which was reversed by YAP inhibitor treatment. ConclusionsHuman DDME can be used as a biomaterial for dentin regeneration. The combined application of DDME and current pulp capping agents is a potential choice for vital pulp therapy.

Multiple-Ion Releasing Bioactive Surface Pre-Reacted Glass-Ionomer (S-PRG) Filler: Innovative Technology for Dental Treatment and Care

Surface Pre-Reacted Glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler, which releases strontium (Sr2+), borate (BO33-), fluoride (F-), sodium (Na+), silicate (SiO32-), and aluminum (Al3+) ions at high concentrations, is a unique glass filler that are utilized in dentistry. Because of its multiple-ion releasing characteristics, S-PRG filler exhibits several bioactivities such as tooth strengthening, acid neutralization, promotion of mineralization, inhibition of bacteria and fungi, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, and enhancement of cell activity. Therefore, S-PRG filler per se and S-PRG filler-containing materials have the potential to be beneficial for various dental treatments and care. Those include restorative treatment, caries prevention/management, vital pulp therapy, endodontic treatment, prevention/treatment of periodontal disease, prevention of denture stomatitis, and perforation repair/root end filling. This review summarizes bioactive functions exhibited by S-PRG filler and its possible contribution to oral health.

Single-visit regenerative endodontic procedure of necrotic immature lower permanent molar with acute apical abscess

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) of immature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical pathosis focus on passive chemomechanical debridement and usually require multiple visits to enhance the antibacterial effect by placing intracanal medications. However, different case reports showed a favorable clinical and radiographic outcome in single-visit REPs of necrotic immature teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis or chronic apical abscess. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published reports of single-visit REPs on cases with acute apical abscess. Therefore, this case report aimed to present a successful REP performed in a single visit for immature lower molar with necrotic pulp and acute apical abscess. A 9-year-old female patient referred for the management of the lower right molar (#46), with the chief complaint of localized moderate pain with cold drinks in the lower right molar for 1 week. The extraoral clinical examination revealed no significant findings. Intraorally, tooth #46 revealed a deep occlusal caries, with normal response to palpation, mild pain on percussion, and moderate pain to the cold test. The radiographic examination showed deep occlusal caries approaching the pulp, and periapical radiolucency related to the distal root. It was diagnosed as symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis. After accessing the pulp chamber, the radicular pulp on the mesial root was vital, while necrotic in the distal root. Therefore, vital pulp therapy was done for the mesial root, and REPs initiated for the distal root with intracanal medicament placement. However, the patient failed to show up in the scheduled visit to complete the treatment. The father refused to bring her as she was asymptomatic, and he was afraid of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. One month later, she presented to the clinic with pain and facial swelling in the lower right area of her face. Clinical examination revealed extra- and intraoral swelling related to tooth #46 (i.e., acute apical abscess) with severe pain on palpation and percussion. The patient’s parents insist to finish the treatment or extract the tooth on the same visit. Hence, a single-visit REP was done. After 20 months, clinical and radiographic examinations showed that the tooth became asymptomatic, responded to sensibility tests, and the periapical pathosis healed. It was concluded that regenerative endodontic treatment can be done in single visit in cases with acute apical abscess. It should be considered in cases of poor complaint, difficulty in accessing dental care, or pandemic curfew.

Multifunctional and biodegradable methacrylated gelatin/Aloe vera nanofibers for endodontic disinfection and immunomodulation

Currently employed approaches and materials used for vital pulp therapies (VPTs) and regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) lack the efficacy to predictably achieve successful outcomes due to their inability to achieve adequate disinfection and/or lack of desired immune modulatory effects. Natural polymers and medicinal herbs are biocompatible, biodegradable, and present several therapeutic benefits and immune-modulatory properties; thus, standing out as a clinically viable approach capable of establishing a conducive environment devoid of bacteria and inflammation to support continued root development, dentinal bridge formation, and dental pulp tissue regeneration. However, the low stability and poor mechanical properties of the natural compounds have limited their application as potential biomaterials for endodontic procedures. In this study, Aloe vera (AV), as a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, was incorporated into photocrosslinkable Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) nanofibers with the purpose of developing a highly biocompatible biomaterial capable of eradicating endodontic infection and modulating inflammation. Stable GelMA/AV nanofibers with optimal properties were obtained at the ratio of (70:30) by electrospinning. In addition to the pronounced antibacterial effect against Enterococcus faecalis, the GelMA/AV (70:30) nanofibers also exhibited a sustained antibacterial activity over 14 days and significant biofilm reduction with minimal cytotoxicity, as well as anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory effects favoring healing. Our results indicate that the novel GelMA/AV (70:30) nanofibers hold great potential as a biomaterial strategy for endodontic infection eradication and enhanced healing.

METTL3 enhances dentinogenesis differentiation of dental pulp stem cells via increasing GDF6 and STC1 mRNA stability

BackgroundThe dentinogenesis differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) is controlled by the spatio-temporal expression of differentiation related genes. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, one of the most abundant internal epigenetic modification in mRNA, influences various events in RNA processing, stem cell pluripotency and differentiation. Methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3), one of the essential regulators, involves in the process of dentin formation and root development, while mechanism of METTL3-mediated RNA m6A methylation in DPSC dentinogenesis differentiation is still unclear.MethodsImmunofluorescence staining and MeRIP-seq were performed to establish m6A modification profile in dentinogenesis differentiation. Lentivirus were used to knockdown or overexpression of METTL3. The dentinogenesis differentiation was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase, alizarin red staining and real time RT-PCR. RNA stability assay was determined by actinomycin D. A direct pulp capping model was established with rat molars to reveal the role of METTL3 in tertiary dentin formation.ResultsDynamic characteristics of RNA m6A methylation in dentinogenesis differentiation were demonstrated by MeRIP-seq. Methyltransferases (METTL3 and METTL14) and demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5) were gradually up-regulated during dentinogenesis process. Methyltransferase METTL3 was selected for further study. Knockdown of METTL3 impaired the DPSCs dentinogenesis differentiation, and overexpression of METTL3 promoted the differentiation. METTL3-mediated m6A regulated the mRNA stabiliy of GDF6 and STC1. Furthermore, overexpression of METTL3 promoted tertiary dentin formation in direct pulp capping model.ConclusionThe modification of m6A showed dynamic characteristics during DPSCs dentinogenesis differentiation. METTL3-mediated m6A regulated in dentinogenesis differentiation through affecting the mRNA stability of GDF6 and STC1. METTL3 overexpression promoted tertiary dentin formation in vitro, suggesting its promising application in vital pulp therapy (VPT).

Role of Root Canal Sealer on the Post Operative Pain: a Randomized Control Trial

Background: Recent innovations in pulp treatment and root canal sealers include bioceramic. It is proven how bioceramics affect root restoration, radiculer perforation, and vital pulp therapy. Therefore, it is anticipated that using bioceramics as a root canal sealer in traditional root canal therapy for non-vital teeth will have positive results. Methods: In this investigation, 60 nonvital teeth with periapical lesions were included. These teeth were separated into two groups of 30 teeth each and treated as follows: Group A: Bioceramics (Endocequence BCTM) sealer was used to obturate these teeth. Group B was obturated using a sealer based on Zinc Oxide Eugenol (Tubli-sealTM). Participants were contacted after 3, 6, and 12 months. The clinical outcome was assessed by assessing pain by VAS, tenderness on percussion, and using the Chi-square test and unpaired student t-test for testing differences between the two groups, with a p value of 0.05 regarded as statistically significant. Results: It was discovered that at 6 and 12 months of observation, 100% of teeth treated with Bioceramics' root canal sealer and 93.3% of teeth treated with Zinc Oxide Eugenol did not exhibit any discomfort or soreness to percussion. The differences between the groups treated with Zinc Oxide Eugenol and Bioceramics root canal sealer were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion:It may be determined that both bioceramic-based sealers (Endosequence BC) and zinc oxide-eugenol-based sealers (Tubli-seal TM) are efficient in reducing post-operative discomfort after endodontic therapy. As a result, sealer has no effect on post-operative pain relief. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2023; 13(1): 31-34

Combined micro-apical surgery and vital pulp therapy in mandibular second molars with external root resorption caused by impacted teeth.

This study aimed to establish a new treatment of the mandibular second molars with external root resorption caused by impacted teeth to preserve the affected teeth and their vital pulps. For mandibular second molars clinically diagnosed as external root resorption caused by impacted teeth, debridement and removal of the root at the resorption site via micro-apical surgery and direct capping of the pulp with bioactive material on the surface of the root amputation via vital pulp therapy were performed immediately after the impacted teeth were extracted. The external root resorption of the affected tooth was ceased. It was asymptomatic with intact crown, normal pulp, periapical alveolar bone reconstruction, normal periodontal ligament, continuous bone sclerosis, and no periapical translucency in radiographic examination at the 1-year postoperative follow-up, thus showing good prognosis. Simultaneous combination of micro-apical surgery and vital pulp therapy after extraction of impacted teeth could successfully preserve mandibular second molars with ERR caused by impacted teeth and their vital pulps.

Vital pulp therapy: Entering a new era of preservation

Vital pulp therapy: Entering a new era of preservation

Development of Rat Caries-Induced Pulpitis Model for Vital Pulp Therapy

Rodent animal models for vital pulp therapy are commonly used in dental research because their tooth anatomy and cellular processes are similar to the anatomy and processes in humans. However, most studies have been conducted using uninfected sound teeth, which makes it difficult to adequately assess the inflammatory shift after vital pulp therapy. In the present study, we aimed to establish a caries-induced pulpitis model based on the conventional rat caries model and then evaluate inflammatory changes during the wound-healing process after pulp capping in a model of reversible pulpitis induced by carious infection. To establish the caries-induced pulpitis model, the pulpal inflammatory status was investigated at different stages of caries progression by immunostaining targeted to specific inflammatory biomarkers. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that both Toll-like receptor 2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were expressed in moderate and severe caries-stimulated pulp, indicating that an immune reaction occurred at both stages of caries progression. M2 macrophages were predominant in moderate caries-stimulated pulp, whereas M1 macrophages were predominant in the severe caries-stimulated pulp. Pulp capping in teeth with moderate caries (i.e., teeth with reversible pulpitis) led to complete tertiary dentin formation within 28 d after treatment. Impaired wound healing was observed in teeth with severe caries (i.e., teeth with irreversible pulpitis). During the wound-healing process in reversible pulpitis after pulp capping, M2 macrophages were predominant at all time points; their proliferative capacity was upregulated in the early stage of wound healing compared with healthy pulp. In conclusion, we successfully established a caries-induced pulpitis model for studies of vital pulp therapy. M2 macrophages have an important role in the early stages of the wound-healing process in reversible pulpitis.

Bioceramics in Endodontics: Updates and Future Perspectives.

Bioceramics, with excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility, have been widely used in dentistry, particularly in endodontics. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is the most widely used bioceramic in endodontics. Recently, many new bioceramics have been developed, showing good potential for the treatment of endodontic diseases. This paper reviews the characteristics of bioceramics and their applications in various clinical endodontic situations, including root-end filling, root canal therapy, vital pulp therapy, apexification/regenerative endodontic treatment, perforation repair, and root defect repair. Relevant literature published from 1993 to 2023 was searched by keywords in PubMed and Web of Science. Current evidence supports the predictable outcome of MTA in the treatment of endodontic diseases. Although novel bioceramics such as Biodentine, EndoSequence, and calcium-enriched mixtures have shown promising clinical outcomes, more well-controlled clinical trials are still needed to provide high-level evidence for their application in endodontics. In addition, to better tackle the clinical challenges in endodontics, efforts are needed to improve the bioactivity of bioceramics, particularly to enhance their antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties and reduce their setting time and solubility.

Current Applications and Future Directions of Lasers in Endodontics: A Narrative Review.

The utilization of lasers has been regarded as a novel technique for the purposes of clinical use in the dental field. Recently, numerous studies have been conducted on the potential applications of laser therapy in endodontics. Moreover, due to their ablation, penetrability, and disinfection capabilities, lasers have performed well with respect to endodontic treatments, including root canal treatment, vital pulp therapy (pulp capping and pulpotomy), dentinal hypersensitivity treatment, and management of dental pain related to pulp and periradicular disease. In particular, the superiorities of laser-aided pulp therapy are emphasized through condensed clinical controlled trials, and histological studies, in this review. Moreover, the ingenious use of laser applications with respect to aiding in the acceleration of root development and the extraction of foreign matters (i.e., broken files and fiber posts) in canals has quickly become the cutting-edge trend of current research. This review offers a summary and discussion of the current literature on all the aforementioned laser applications. Moreover, the characteristics of laser devices, including erbium lasers, neodymium-doped lasers, CO2 lasers, and diode lasers, are detailed and discussed here, providing useful references for laser application in endodontics. We also focus on the different wavelengths with respect to the lasers that are applied in endodontics. High-power lasers perform well as operative instruments; in addition, low-level lasers lead to the regulation of pulp inflammation, and the promotion of pulp healing. This narrative review provides a summary of the advanced applications of lasers in conjunction with various devices in the practice of endodontics, and aims to inspire innovative perspectives on lasers in the context of the treatment of dental diseases, especially pulp diseases, in the future.

Peptides in Dentistry: A Scoping Review.

Currently, it remains unclear which specific peptides could be appropriate for applications in different fields of dentistry. The aim of this scoping review was to scan the contemporary scientific papers related to the types, uses and applications of peptides in dentistry at the moment. Literature database searches were performed in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Scielo. A total of 133 articles involving the use of peptides in dentistry-related applications were included. The studies involved experimental designs in animals, microorganisms, or cells; clinical trials were also identified within this review. Most of the applications of peptides included caries management, implant osseointegration, guided tissue regeneration, vital pulp therapy, antimicrobial activity, enamel remineralization, periodontal therapy, the surface modification of tooth implants, and the modification of other restorative materials such as dental adhesives and denture base resins. The in vitro and in vivo studies included in this review suggested that peptides may have beneficial effects for treating early carious lesions, promoting cell adhesion, enhancing the adhesion strength of dental implants, and in tissue engineering as healthy promotors of the periodontium and antimicrobial agents. The lack of clinical trials should be highlighted, leaving a wide space available for the investigation of peptides in dentistry.

Vital Pulp Therapy of Reversible Pulpitis with Chemical - Mechanical Excavation

Vital Pulp Therapy of Reversible Pulpitis with Chemical - Mechanical Excavation