Light and scanning electron microscopy of the inner surfaces of resins used in direct pulp capping.

Abstract

Bacterial penetration along the cavity walls and pulp tissue could not be detected in any specimen. Slight inflammatory cell infiltration was the main initial reaction, while dentin bridge formation was the major long-term reaction in all groups. The resin surface adjacent to the etched cavity floor contained numerous resin tags corresponding to the dentin tubules. Remnants of pulpo-dentin complex, such as fragments of blood clots, pulpal cell, and dentin were also seen scattered along the inner resin surface.