Author(s):
1. Ognjenka Janković, Medicinski fakultet Banja Luka , Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Helena Golubović, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Tijana Adamovic, University of Banja Luka, School of Medicine, Dentistry Study Program, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
4. Vladan Mirjanić, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract:
Maintaining pulp vitality is essential for long-term tooth health. Direct pulp capping is intended to promote reparative dentin formation and prevent pulp necrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of new calcium silicate-based materials on the pulpal inflammatory response and dentin bridge formation using a Wistar rat model. A total of 18 Wistar rats (72 maxillary molars: 36 first and 36 second) were included and divided into two groups (A and B; n = 9). In Group A, Theracal LC was applied to the exposed pulp of the right maxillary molars, while Calxil was used on the left ones. In Group B, Biodentine was applied to the right molars, and MTA and Calxil were used on the first and second left molars, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis. After 30 days, the lowest pulpal inflammatory response was observed with Theracal LC, followed by Biodentine, which had a similar rate of inflammation but with slightly more polymorphonuclear leukocytes. A statistically significant difference in inflammation levels was found between Theracal LC and Calxil (p = 0.034), and between Biodentine and Calxil (p = 0.039). The highest inflammatory response was seen with MTA. All tested materials showed a high capacity for inducing dentin bridge formation. In conclusion, the new calcium silicate materials demonstrated favorable biological behavior, with Theracal LC and Biodentine showing the least inflammation. All materials promoted reparative dentinogenesis, confirming their potential for use in direct pulp capping procedures.

Key words:
Pulp capping, Theracal, Biodentin, MTA

Date of abstract submission:
23.06.2025.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2025 - Savremeni Materijali