Histological evaluation of enamel matrix derivative as a pulpotomy agent in primary teeth.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate histologically the effect of an enamel matrix derivative as a pulpotomy agent in primary canines. METHODS Ten carious primary canines among teeth deemed for serial extraction were selected for this study. Emdogain gel was used as the pulp dressing material on the amputated pulp stumps. Teeth were extracted postoperatively after: (1) 1 week; (2) 2 weeks; and (3) 6 months. The extracted teeth were examined histologically to assess the response of the pulp to Emdogain gel after the pulpotomy procedure. RESULTS Of the teeth extracted after 1 week, the amputated pulpal surface was lined by a thin, nearly continuous cellular layer. Generalized congestion was accompanied by an increase in angiogenesis. Of the teeth extracted after 2 weeks, most showed small islands of dentin-like tissue at different stages of mineralization. Of the teeth extracted after 6 months, several different histological pictures were viewed. Most of the teeth showed coalescing islands of dentin-like tissue trying to bridge the full width of the coronal pulp at the interface between the wounded and unharmed pulp tissue below the amputation site. CONCLUSION Based on these experiments, Emdogain gel shows promising results as a valuable material for use in pulpotomy procedures, especially in the primary dentition.