Dentinogenic Activity of Biodentine in Deep Cavities of Miniature Swine Teeth

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate comparatively the bioactivity potential of a calcium silicate-based material (Biodentine; Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-fosses Cedex, France) after the restoration of deep dentinal cavities of miniature swine teeth with or without the application of a calcium hydroxide-containing pulp protective base (Dycal; Caulk Lab, Milford, DE).

Methods: Thirty-three permanent teeth (premolars, canines, and incisors) of 3 miniature swine were used. Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of teeth. The cavities were restored with Biodentine in the presence (control group) or absence (experimental group) of a Dycal protective base. The pulpal tissue responses were histologically and histomorphometrically assessed at postoperative periods of 3 and 8 weeks. Three specimens were further evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. The maximum thickness of the postoperatively formed mineralized matrix beneath the cavity floor was measured. Data were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: A bacterial staining reaction along the cavity walls or intense inflammatory infiltration in the pulp was not detected in any of the specimens. A continuous zone of the postoperatively formed mineralized matrix mostly of atubular structure with scattered defects and cellular inclusions and occasionally followed by a thin zone with tubular morphology was detected in all specimens of the control group and 13 of 18 experimental group teeth. In the remaining teeth of the experimental group, a separate zone composed of the osteotypic mineralized matrix and soft tissues was noted between the circumpulpal and the newly formed matrix. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the fibrous structural morphology of the tertiary dentin. A significantly higher rate of the postoperatively formed mineralized matrix had been formed in the teeth of the experimental group in both periods of 3 and 8 weeks (P < .01).

Conclusions: The present investigation indicates that under the present experimental conditions tertiary dentin with occasional intermediate formation of osteodentin is observed after the application of Biodentine in the presence or absence of a Dycal protective base. The thickness of the tertiary dentine zone was significantly higher in the absence of Dycal.

Keywords: Biodentine; Dycal; calcium hydroxide; calcium silicate; miniature swine teeth; pulp capping materials; pulp protection; tertiary dentin.