Pulp Reaction to Silicate Cement and Other Materials: Relation to Cavity Depth

¹ Indiana University, School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana

Class V cavities were prepared in 54 sound teeth in three monkeys and filled with one of the following: zinc oxide and eugenol; zinc oxide, eugenol, and croton oil; a proprietary silicate cement; the same cement with the acid diluted by or a newly developed experimental silicate cement. After 7 days, 34 teeth were removed; after 42 days, the remaining 20 teeth were removed for study. After careful technological preparation, serial sections were studied. The cavity floors of 18 teeth were thinner than 1 mm., and those of 36 teeth were thicker. When the floors were thicker than 400 µ, all pulp reactions were mild. As floor thickness decreased, the reactions increased to moderate or severe, except in the case of zinc oxide and eugenol. As studied, the reactions to the other materials, including the experimental silicate, were comparable. The necessity for the use of deep cavities and for preparation of serial sections for such studies is again emphasized, so that the maximum response of the pulp can be ascertained.