Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Conventionally, pulp capping materials, mainly calcium hydroxide, have strong alkalinity and strong stimulation to pulp tissue without a long-term sealing effect. With the time going, calcium hydroxide dissolves, and micro-leakage forms, so that bacteria may invade.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the early formation of dentine bridges following direct pulp capping with nano-hydroxyapatite.
METHODS: A total of 113 teeth from 98 patients with exposed points of dental pulp were divided randomly into two groups. One group was treated with direct pulp capping with calcium hydroxide, while the other group was treated with direct pulp capping with nano-hydroxyapatite. Clinical observations were made after six weeks, six months and one year after treatment respectively. Treating effects of the two groups were compared and pulp cavity and periapical change were observed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no difference in early formation of dentine bridge between treating with calcium hydroxide and with nano-hydroxyapatite (P > 0.05). Nano-hydroxyapatite contributes to the early formation of dentine bridge at 1 year following pulp capping (The clinical success rate was 90% for dentine bridge formation, whereas 65% for non-formation), and it can be used as pulp capping materials.