Methods: Mechanical pulp exposure was prepared in first molars (M1) of 8-wk old Wistar rats (n=20). Left M1 (Q2) teeth were the experimental groups (with iloprost; 10-6, 10-7 and 10 -8M). Teeth were measured for pulpal blood flow with laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF).
Results: Iloprost showed a statistically significant difference in pulpal blood flow at 72 hours at various concentrations (n=6, p < 0.05) compared to control. At 30 days, histological examination showed the increase in reparative dentin formation and cellular proliferation near the perforation area in iloprost-treated groups.
Conclusions: Increased vascularization of dental pulp, which is a low-compliance area, after injury can prevent pulpal necrosis and improve the healing mechanism. The results showed that iloprost could increase pulpal blood flow and promote cell proliferation. Iloprost together with other inorganic pulp capping materials could be a promising agent that can increase success rate in vital pulp therapy, hence decreasing incidence of root canal treatment.