2004 Volume 25 Issue 2 Pages 63-66
Abstract : This study investigated the biocompatibility and reparative dentinogenic potential of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Tissue reactions were examined under light and electron microscopes at 1, 5, and 10 days after MTA application to exposed pulp tissue in rat incisors. At 1 day after pulp capping, slight inflammatory reaction, including neutrophilic leukocyte infiltration, was seen in the vicinity of the exposed region. At 5 days, a newly formed matrix layer was in direct contact with the capping material, and disaggregated MTA particles were surrounded by this matrix tissue. At 10 days, the exposed area was covered with thick reparative dentine composed of a fibrodentinal matrix and true dentine with tubular form. Ultrastructural examination at day 5 showed collagenous fibrils to be densely present between disaggregated MTA particles and pulp cells containing well-developed rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum.
These results suggest that MTA possesses good tissue compatibility and high reparative dentinogenic potential, indicating its potential for use as a direct pulp-capping material.
