Tissue response to direct pulp capping with calcium hydroxide preceded by corticosteroid or corticosteroid/antibiotic dressing: a histological study in rats

Purpose: This study histologically evaluated the reaction of tooth pulp to treatment with calcium hydroxide in distilled water preceded by a corticosteroid (Decadron) or corticosteroid/antibiotic (Otosporin) dressing. Methods: Calcium hydroxide solution was applied to exposed tooth pulp for 5 min or for 72 h, using a sample of 120 molars of rats; histological examination was performed 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after treatment. Results: A mild inflammatory reaction was observed at 7 and 14 days whether the dressings were used for 5 min or for 72 h. When the corticosteroid/antibiotic dressing was used for 5 min, the tissue reaction and the mineralized barrier formed at 30 and 60 days were similar to those of animals in the control group. Use of the corticosteroid dressing for 5 min or 72 h or the corticosteroid/antibiotic dressing for 72 h delayed healing of the pulp tissue. Conclusion: Temporary dressings resulted in a milder inflammatory reaction during the early postoperative period. The tissue reaction and the quality of the barrier formed when the Otosporin temporary dressing was applied for 5 min were similar in the experimental and the control groups at longer postoperative periods. Temporary dressings of Decadron applied for 5 min or 72 h or Otosporin applied for 72 h caused a slight retardation of the healing process of the tissue that was apparent 30 days after the intervention.