Effect of betamethasone on the pulp after topical application to the dentin of rat teeth: vascular aspects of the inflammation.

Objective: This study investigated the pulpal effect of topically applied betamethasone to the dentin of rat molars in the vascular phase of inflammation.

Material And Methods: Deep cavities were prepared on the occlusal face of the maxillary right and left 1st molars with non-refrigerated inverted-cone steel burs at low speed. Three groups were formed: Group I was composed of right 1st molars; Group II was composed of left 1st molars that received the application of a drop of betamethasone on dentin surface for 5 min; and Group III (control) was composed of right 2nd molars that received no cavity preparation or betamethasone application.