Most Indirect Pulp Capping Materials Safe for Deep Cavities Without Compromising Dentin Seal: Study
Most indirect pulp capping Materials, except for Kerr Life, do not compromise the peripheral seal to dentin in very deep cavity areas. Further, hydraulic cements can be used without negatively affecting the dentin seal.
The aim of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different indirect pulp capping (IPC) materials on bond strength to surrounding dentin. Fifty-six human third molars were used in this study. Occlusal dentin of 42 teeth was exposed. Dentin surfaces (n = 6) were left uncovered (control) or received a 1 × 1 mm central IPC (KL: Kerr life, DY: Dycal, TC: Theracal LC, CL: Calcimol LC, BD: Biodentine, and PR: ProRoot MTA) and were then bonded with Scotchbond Universal adhesive and restored with a composite resin build-up (Filtek™ Z250). After 24 h of water storage, the specimens were cut into sticks, which were marked red (1 mm distance from IPC spot), green (2 mm distance), and blue (3 mm distance). Consequently, µ-TBS tests were performed and analyzed using one-way ANOVA (P 0.05) for normal distributions and Mann–Whitney U-test (P 0.05) for non-normal distributions. Pretesting failures were recorded as 0 MPa. Fracture modes were analyzed under a fluorescence microscope, and interfaces and surfaces of 14 additional specimens were visualized under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: A significant reduction in peripheral seal was only observed for KL (Mann–Whitney U-test, P 0.05). All groups showed increasing bond strengths from the IPC area to the periphery, indicating a certain contamination potential of IPC materials. IPC materials being applied in very deep cavity areas except Kerr Life do not harm peripheral seal to dentin. Especially, hydraulic cements can be used without a negative effect on the peripheral dentin seal.
Reference:
Frankenberger, R.; Koch, A.; Plohmann, L.; Beck-Broichsitter, B.; Becker, S. The Outcome of Old-School Indirect Pulp Capping over 40 Years: A Practice-Based Retrospective Evaluation. Dent. J. 2025, 13, 182. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13050182
Keywords:
Frankenberger, R.; Koch, A.; Plohmann, L.; Beck-Broichsitter, B.; Becker, S, Outcome, Old-School, Indirect, Pulp Capping, over, 40 Years, dentistry journal
