title: A histological comparison of direct pulp capping agents in primary canines.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pulpal response to four calcium hydroxide preparations in primary teeth. Data indicated the calcium hydroxide-saline paste induced more inflammation and produced a greater zone of mummification than the three commercial preparations studied. Unintentional deep impaction of the medicament or dentinal chips increased inflammation for all categories. All medicaments produced a superficial necrosis (mummification) of the pulp. The greatest degree of mummification was seen with the calcium hydroxide-saline paste. The calcium hydroxide-saline paste produced a thick dentinal bridge, located deeper in the pulp when compared with the commercial agents. Commercial agents produced narrower but sufficiently high-quality dentinal bridges. This study indicates that direct pulp capping of exposures in primary teeth is a viable procedure. The newer commercial agents may be preferred, as they produce minimal inflammation, satisfactory dentinal bridging, and preservation of most of the vital pulp tissue.
mesh_terms: D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000473:pathology*; D003785:Dental Pulp Capping / Q000379:methods*; D003809:Dentin, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D009824:Ointments; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide