Human ex vivo dentin-pulp complex preservation in a full crown model.
OBJECTIVE
Currently, there is lack of human in vitro full tooth models that hold the odontoblast layer with pulp tissue in their native environment. The appearance of new in vitro and in vivo models has provided new understanding of the potential of tissue engineering in dental pulp regeneration. However, the development of new in vitro full tooth models will allow us to get closer to in vivo conditions. Thus, the aim of this study is to preserve a living dentin-pulp complex, in a novel in vitro full crown model, after tooth extraction.


METHODS
Twenty intact third molars, after preparation, were divided into four groups, with five samples each. We placed the negative control samples (C) in saline, and the tested groups were placed (T) in supplemented DMEM, at two different times: 1 and 7 days. The specimens were processed for light microscopy observation.


RESULTS
Contrary to C-groups, T-groups showed a functional dentin-pulp complex. The treated dentin-pulp complex presents normal histological appearance.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that it is possible to preserve a living dentin-pulp complex after tooth extraction during 7 days.
Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Anatomy Department, Campus Universitário, Quinta da Granja, Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal.
João
J
Botelho
Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Anatomy Department, Campus Universitário, Quinta da Granja, Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal.
Maria Alzira
MA
Cavacas
Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Anatomy Department, Campus Universitário, Quinta da Granja, Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal.
Gonçalo
G
Borrecho
Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Dental Materials Department, Campus Universitário, Quinta da Granja, Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal.
Mário
M
Polido
Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Anatomy Department, Campus Universitário, Quinta da Granja, Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal.
Pedro
P
Oliveira
Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz, Anatomy Department, Campus Universitário, Quinta da Granja, Caparica, Setúbal, Portugal.
José
J
Martins Dos Santos
Dental pulp regeneration; Dentin-pulp complex; In vitro full crown model; Odontoblasts; Tissue engineering