Evaluation of Pulp–Dentine Complex Response to Different Direct Pulp–Capping Agents (An Experimental Study)

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pulpal response of dogs’ teeth after direct pulp capping using Biodentine (BD) and compared it with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). Materials and Methods: Following the split-mouth design, forty intact teeth in two healthy Mongrel dogs were randomly assigned to two experimental groups; group I: BD and group II: MTA. Standardized Class V cavities were prepared on the vestibular surface of each tooth where the pulp exposure was performed with a dental explorer. The pulp-exposed teeth were immediately capped with one of the tested materials. The prepared cavities were then finally restored with glass-ionomer cement. After termination of the observation periods (one week and three months), the animals were euthanized. Then, teeth were extracted for histopathological evaluations. Data collected and statistically analyzed by using Fisher’s exact test. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Histopathological analysis showed complete dentin bridge formation and an absence of inflammatory pulp response. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the BD and MTA experimental groups during the observation periods. However, a significantly higher thickness of the dentin bridge was found in the group of teeth treated with BD at three months. Conclusion: BD may be considered an interesting alternative to MTA. Both materials produced favorable pulpal responses that were similar in nature.