Microvascular changes after experimental pulpitis in dog 2. application of metronidazole against inflammation

Abstract

To treat pulpitis, a pulpectomy, which surgically removes dental pulp, is generally used. Recently, antibiotic therapy has also been utilized. In the present study, the effect of metronidazole, incident to experimental pulpitis, was observed by the resin cast method and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Beagle dogs with healthy periodontal tissue served as the experimental animals. A standard experimental cavity (2mm in diameter x 2 mm depth) was prepared on the surface of the tooth. Experimental cavities were exposed in the oral cavity for 1 day or for 7 days. Then, one side of the experimental cavities was filled with glass ionomer cement containing 3% metronidazole and observed after 30 days. The remaining side of the cavities was filled with glass ionomer cement as a control. After experimental cavity preparation, leaking resin was observed under the capillary network. In the metronidazole-treated group, the leakage of resin decreased. The vascular structure was regenerated in a manner quite similar to normal pulp. However a circulatory disturbance was caused in the pulpal vasculature. These results indicate that constricted vessels and metronidazole work together to recover the microcirculation of dental pulp, suggesting that metronidazole can be an effective treatment for pulpitis.[MVRC 2 (1) : 18-23 ,2008]