Histological assessment of pulpal responses to resin modifi ed glass ionomer cements in human teeth

Abstract

Background: The biocompatibility of resin-modifi ed glass ionomers (RMGIs) as a lining material

is still under question. The present study evaluated the response of the pulp-dentin complex

following application of resin-modifi ed glass-ionomer cement, calcium hydroxide and conventional

glass-ionomer in deep cavities prepared in human teeth.

Materials and Methods: In this controlled clinical trial, 30 deep class V buccal cavities

(3 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm) were prepared in human premolars treatment planned to be extracted

for orthodontic reasons and divided into 3 groups. Groups were lined by a RMGI (Vivaglass),

conventional glass Ionomer (Ionocid) and calcium hydroxide respectively. The cavities were

subsequently fi lled with amalgam. Each group was then divided into two sub-groups according

to time intervals 5 and 30 days. The patients were referred to Kerman Dental School and in

accordance with orthodontic treatment plan; premolars were extracted and then prepared for

histological assessment. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic

acid Schiff techniques. All of the samples were examined using a number of criteria including

odontoblastic changes, infl ammatory cells response, reactionary dentin formation and presence

of microorganisms. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. P < 0.05

was considered as signifi cant.

Results: There was no signifi cant difference among odontoblastic changes, reactionary dentin,

presence of bacteria and infl ammatory cells response of the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Ionocid and Vivaglass resin-modifi ed glass ionomers can be used as lining materials

in human teeth.

Key Words: Biocompatibility, calcium hydroxide, glass ionomer, pulp response, tertiary dentin