Reaction of sound and demineralised dentine to Carisolv in vivo and in vitro.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the structural reaction of intact dentine to Carisolv in vivo and in vitro.

Methods: For the in vivo study occlusal cavities were prepared in 48 caries-free molars in Wistar rats (age: three months) and Carisolv-solution was placed into the cavities of 24 M for 1, 10 and 20 min. Twenty four contralateral molars served as controls and were treated with an inert liquid containing purified water, carmellose and erythrosin for corresponding periods. For the in vitro study 24 rat molars were resected en bloc and fractured to expose an area of crown dentine area. Molars were demineralised with EDTA for eight weeks to expose the collagenous dentinal matrix. One half of the specimens was then coated with Carisolv-solution for 20 min. The other half served as a control and was coated with an inert solution for 20 min.

Results: In the in vivo specimens no signs of pulp cell damage were observed in the experimental group. The odontoblastic processes were destroyed in proximity to the floor of the cavity but were intact in the inner portion of dentinal tubules in experimental molars and a mechanical damage was noted in the control molars. In the in vitro specimens no structural discrepancy was detected between the experimental molars and the control molars in collagen fibrils of demineralised dentine.

Conclusions: Carisolv causes destruction of cellular components of odontoblastic processes but does not attack healthy collagen fibrils.