Evaluation of human pulp tissue response following direct pulp capping with a self-etching adhesive system containing MDPB.

This study evaluated the human pulp tissue response following direct pulp capping with Clearfil Protect Bond (CPB) self-etching adhesive containing an antibacterial monomer MDPB. The pulps of third molar teeth were exposed by the removal of carious tissue. In an experimental group, CPB was applied to the exposed pulp and dentin. In the control groups, Clearfil SE Bond (CSE) or calcium hydroxide-based cement (CH) was applied to the exposed pulp surfaces. All teeth were filled with resin composite, extracted after 90 days, and the pulp responses were histologically analyzed. No severe inflammation or soft tissue disorganization was observed in CPB and CH groups. CSE group exhibited a disorganized odontoblastic layer and severe inflammatory infiltration. No hard tissue formation was observed in CSE group, and CH formed more of a hard tissue formation than CPB. CPB induced an acceptable healing response when directly applied to exposed pulps with bacterial contamination.