Response of the dental pulp to capping with a composite resin-bonded ceramic and dental adhesive in rat molars.

An inflammatory response occurs in the pulp tissue following the application of dental materials due to their chemical properties and/or a secondary bacterial irritation. Recently, a new line of composite resin products with reported improved esthetic qualities was designed to allow an intimate adherence with the dentin. This intense bonding could prevent bacterial penetration and marginal discoloration of these restorations. In addition, this method allows prevention of excessive removal of hard tissue. The present study examines pulpal reaction to capping with P-10 composite resin (Dental Products, USA) in rats. Histological examination did not reveal any inflammatory reaction in the nonexposed pulps. Direct pulp capping with P-10 induced formation of reparative dentin bridges.