Histologic Evaluation of Three Treatment Methods for Direct Pulp Capping of Cat’s Canine

INTRODUCTION Direct pulp capping (DPC) is coverage of exposed pulp by a biocompatible material after traumatic or carious exposure. The purpose of this procedure is to seal against bacterial leakage, stimulate dentinal barrier formation, and maintain the vitality of pulp. Several factors contribute to the consequence of this treatment such as material and the procedural technique. The aim of this study was to histological evaluation of three treatment methods (Laser+MTA, Laser+Ca(OH)2 and MTA alone) in direct pulp capping of cat's canines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty six canine teeth of 9 cats were selected for this experimental study. After anesthesia, the teeth were exposed under isolated condition. The teeth were randomly divided into three treatment groups. In group I, the pulp exposures were covered by Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) alone. In group II, the pulps after treating with Er: YAG laser, were covered by MTA. In group III, treating with laser and covering with Ca(OH)2 was performed. All cavities were filled by Amalgam after DPC. After 4 months, the animals were sacrificed and block sections were prepared. Then, the specimens were histologically evaluated according to the scores that designed by a pathologist. The data was analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests with significant level of 95%. RESULTS Dentinal barrier was formed in all groups. Laser+MTA group showed nearly similar results to other groups in dentinal barrier formation, type and intensity of inflammatory responses and soft tissue changes (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Although Laser+MTA had slightly better effects, but this difference was not statistically significant. Based on this study, it seems that laser treatment has no effect on outcome of DPC.