Periapical response to dentin filings. A pilot study.

Vital maxillary canines of mature cats were intentionally instrumented through the foramen with No. 50 K-files. Dentin chips were packed into the apical opening in one tooth of each animal. In the contralateral tooth a dentin plug was not formed. Both root canals were then filled with gutta-percha. The animals were sacrificed at 3, 5, and 8 months. The results showed quicker healing characterized by minimal inflammation and cementum deposition in the specimens where dentin fillings were packed.