The effect of topical antihistamine on the initial pulpal inflammatory response of monkey teeth.

Cavity preparations were made in sixty sound teeth of healthy monkeys. Thermal trauma was delivered to the pulps of all teeth through application of a heated soldering iron to the floor of a cavity preparation. Fifteen teeth were randomly designated as controls and were restored immediately with zinc oxide and eugenol. Forty-five teeth were designated as test teeth. These were treated topically with a 4 per cent antihistamine solution and restored with zinc oxide and eugenol. Histologic sections were prepared to show the effect of the antihistamine on the thermally initiated inflammatory response during the postoperative period. No significant difference was observed in the inflammatory reactions of treated or untreated pulps. A 4 per cent aqueous solution of topically applied antihistamine did not appear to be of any significant value in obviating pulpal inflammation.