IADR Abstract Archives
Super-Resolution Microscopic Evaluation of Reparative Dentin After Direct Pulp Capping
Objectives: Super-resolution microscopy techniques, such as stimulated emission depletion (STED), have revolutionized our understanding of neuronal function by providing exceptional capabilities for investigating alterations in cellular morphology. Nevertheless, the application of STED microscopy to the examination of newly formed reparative dentin after direct pulp capping procedures has not been evaluated yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to employ STED microscopy to investigate the ultra-microscopic structures within reparative dentin after direct pulp capping procedures in vivo.
Methods: The maxillary first molar teeth of six male Wistar rats were prepared with a total of twelve cavities. The pulp chamber of the teeth was exposed under aseptic precaution and anesthesia using a 1/2 stainless steel round bur followed by sterile # 20 stainless-steel K-files. Subsequently, the teeth were divided into two distinct experimental groups: Group 1, the commercially available mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; GC Corporation, Japan), and Group 2, no direct pulp capping materials. After applying the material to the exposed pulps, all the cavities were filled with Super-bond (Sun Medical, Japan), and the pulpal reaction was observed after 4 weeks. The expression of nestin and tubulin-β3 was investigated by ultra-microscopic immunofluorescence technique facilitated by STED.
Results: The expression of nestin and tubulin-β3 was observed within dentinal tubules of reparative dentin in Group 1, but was barely detected in Group 2. The reparative dentin in Group 1 was similar to primary dentin in the presence of odontoblasts and nerve endings within dentinal tubules.
Conclusions: STED microscopy indicated that direct pulp capping with MTA has the potential to induce reparative dentin formation similar to primary dentin. Further investigations are required to elucidate the clinical implications of these findings.
Methods: The maxillary first molar teeth of six male Wistar rats were prepared with a total of twelve cavities. The pulp chamber of the teeth was exposed under aseptic precaution and anesthesia using a 1/2 stainless steel round bur followed by sterile # 20 stainless-steel K-files. Subsequently, the teeth were divided into two distinct experimental groups: Group 1, the commercially available mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; GC Corporation, Japan), and Group 2, no direct pulp capping materials. After applying the material to the exposed pulps, all the cavities were filled with Super-bond (Sun Medical, Japan), and the pulpal reaction was observed after 4 weeks. The expression of nestin and tubulin-β3 was investigated by ultra-microscopic immunofluorescence technique facilitated by STED.
Results: The expression of nestin and tubulin-β3 was observed within dentinal tubules of reparative dentin in Group 1, but was barely detected in Group 2. The reparative dentin in Group 1 was similar to primary dentin in the presence of odontoblasts and nerve endings within dentinal tubules.
Conclusions: STED microscopy indicated that direct pulp capping with MTA has the potential to induce reparative dentin formation similar to primary dentin. Further investigations are required to elucidate the clinical implications of these findings.