A comparative study of histologic response to different pulp capping materials and a novel endodontic cement

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare dogs' pulp response to capping with calcium hydroxide cement (Dycal), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and a novel endodontic cement (NEC).Study designTwenty-four canine teeth in 6 beagle dogs were buccocervically exposed and capped with MTA, Dycal, or NEC. Eight weeks later, retrieved samples were observed by optical microscope to grade inflammation, formation of dentinal bridge, calcification, necrosis, and presence of odontoblast cells.ResultsNo inflammation was observed in MTA and NEC groups, and in 75% of each, dentinal bridge was completely formed. In the Dycal group, inflammation and incomplete dentinal bridge were detected in all cases. Although MTA and NEC groups had no significant difference between them in each measure, the difference between all 3 groups was significant (P < .001).ConclusionMTA and NEC showed similar favorable biologic response in pulp cap treatment, better than Dycal, especially in inducing the formation of dentinal bridge.