Histologic Response and Tenascin and Fibronectin Expression After Pulp Capping in Pig Primary Teeth With Mineral Trioxide Aggregate or Calcium Hydroxide

This study evaluated the histological response and the expression of tenascin (TN) and fibronectin (FN) after pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or calcium hydroxide (CH). Class V cavities and pulp exposure were performed in 40 primary pig teeth. The pulps were capped with either MTA or CH, and the cavities were sealed with resin-modified glass ionomer cement. CH was used as a control. Seven and 70 days posttreatment, the animals were sacrificed and teeth were prepared for histological evaluation. TN and FN were detected by immunostaining. A severe inflammatory response was observed after 7 days in the CH group (p < 0.043), while in the MTA group, a mild response was observed. Similar reparative dentin deposition was observed after 70 days for both groups (p < 0.005). The expression of FN and TN was similar for both groups in the two periods evaluated. TN and FN were expressed during pulp reparative events, independently of the capping material.