Human pulps capped with PDGF : A pilot study

O b j e c t i v e Growth factors have shown the potential to promote odontoblast-like cell differentiation and induce the formation of reparative dentin. The aims of this pilot study were to develop a regenerative approach to pulp capping using platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB and to describe histologically the pulp tissue response. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s Two third molars (Site A and Site B) were treated. Class I cavities were prepared and the exposed pulps were capped with cotton pellets embedded in a PDGF solution. Teeth were extracted after 40 days and processed for routine histological examination. The hard bridge formation and the pulp reaction were evaluated. R e s u l t s In Site A, incomplete and thick dentin bridge formation was observed. The pulp tissue close to the remaining exposed pulp was moderately disorganized, with many fibroblasts and few inflammatory cells. In Site B, an incomplete dentin bridge covered part of the defect. The pulp was overall normal, but a limited area showing a clot-like tissue with many fibroblasts and few inflammatory cells close to the dentin bridge interruption was observed. C o n c l u s i o n PDGF-BB did not elicit an inflammatory response and did not induce extensive dentin matrix deposition. It thus appears to be a safe pulp capping agent.