Histopathological evaluation of pulp after Direct pulp capping of primary teeth with calcium hydroxide and Bioactive glass

Bioactive glass is often used as a filler material for repair of dental bone defects.In different studies osteogenic potential of this material was proved, but its dentinogenesis property is in doubt.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic pulp responses of Calcium hydroxide and Bioactive glass placed directly on exposed pulp tissues.

20 teeth that must be extracted due to orthodontic reasons were selected. These teeth were divided into 2 groups and treated with direct pulp capping. Calcium hydroxide was used for 10 teeth and Bioactive glass for 10 teeth. After 60 days the teeth were extracted and prepared for histological evaluation. Finally the data was analyzed with Exact Fisher test.

All teeth treated with Calcium hydroxide showed inflammation. Internal resorption was seen in 6 teeth and abscess in 5 teeth and dentinal bridge in 2 teeth. Inflammation was seen in 3 Bioactive glass samples and dentinal bridge in 7 teeth and. Internal resorption and abscess were not seen.

Bioactive glass appear to be superior to Calcium hydroxide as a pulp capping agent in primary teeth.