Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the healing effects of light-cured calcium silicate-based pulp-capping material (TCL), which was equivalent to MTA, the behavior of element transfer (P, Ca, Si and C), elution and precipitates was examined using an electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP).
Materials and methods: The specimens of MTA or TCL filled in standardized cylindrical holes were stored in 37°C phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 1, 3 or 7 days. The immersed and non-immersed specimens were embedded in epoxy resin and mirror-polished longitudinal-sectional surfaces were prepared. The distribution and transfer of P, Ca, Si and C were analyzed with EPMA along the longitudinal section of the specimens. The cylindrical specimens (φ4.0 mm×2.0 mm) of MTA and TCL were suspended in 20 ml of 37°C of ultra-pure water for 1, 3 or 7 days. The elution properties per unit area of Ca and Si were measured by IPC and statistically analyzed with the t-test (α=0.05).
Results: As for MTA, water permeation along with P infiltration occurred and was accompanied by the transfer of Ca and Si towards the surface of the specimens. These elements were continuously eluted out of the specimens as ions. As for TCL, well-marked transfer of the elements like MTA could not be observed but continuous elution of the elements occurred in an equivalent amount to MTA, which was caused by the water penetration through the highly hydrophilic monomers (polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate) in the superficial layer of TCL. Precipitates of calcium phosphate-like crystals were found on the surfaces of both MTA and TCL. These findings demonstrated that almost the same continuous elution of both Ca and Si from MTA and TCL might induce the similar excellent effects of direct capping.
Conclusion: The present findings revealed that the behavior of element transfer, elution and precipitates in the TCL material might be almost the same as MTA, leading to similar direct pulp-capping effects.
