[Histological evaluation of direct pulp capping with a self-etching adhesive and calcium hydroxide].

Objective: To evaluate the beagles' pulp response following direct pulp capping with Clearfil SE BOND (SB).

Methods: 130 sound teeth were used. 120 had their pulps mechanically exposed and were divided in two groups. In group A, teeth were capped with SB. In group B, teeth were capped with calcium hydroxide (CH). The left 10 teeth were used as control. After 7, 30 and 90 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for light microscopical examination.

Results: In 7 day observation period, inflammatory reaction in SB group was slighter than that of CH group, but the difference was statistical insignificant. In the 30 day and 90 day observation period, inflammatory reaction was slight in both groups, but specimens with dentin bridge formation was significantly less in SB group than in CH group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: SB showed acceptable biocompatibility with pulp, but its ability to induce hard tissue barrier on pulp exposure is weaker than CH.