Pulp reactions to silicate cement in teeth with healing pulpitis.

Unlined silicate restorations were placed in intact and experimentally altered monkey, teeth. Pulpitis had been induced experimentally by sealing soft carious human dentin in Class V cavities with amalgam for 7 d. These fillings were then removed and healing allowed by inserting zinc oxide/eugenol cement. A protective effect of the secondary dentin in teeth with healing pulpitis could be demonstrated in short-term experiments. After a 1-month observation period no difference in response to silicate cement could be found between intact and experimentally altered pulps, both groups exhibiting no or slight pulp reactions and secondary dentin formations.