Primary mineralization of dentin in rats after pulp capping with calcium-hydroxide.

It has been previously reported that short term application of calcium-hydroxide to the dental pulp resulted in the formation of a dentin bridge with matrix vesicle calcification. The present study deals with the induction of reparative dentin in rat molar pulps by direct capping with calcium-hydroxide. The teeth were examined after 21 and 35 days. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the calcification process in the newly formed dentin was characterized by apatite deposition in matrix vesicles and the occurrence of calcifying nodules in the matrix. The persistence of these features of primary mineralization, during the experimental period, was associated with the continuous calcium hydroxide contact with pulp tissue, producing changes in its metabolic state.