Analysis of selected parameters of reparative dentin after direct pulp capping with MTA Repair HP in human teeth, using CBCT and micro-CT.

Background: The biomimetic regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex is a modern approach involving the application of a bioactive substance. Bioactive substances (e.g., cement or stem cells) have been reported to be able to control the signaling and differentiation of the pulp cells, thus limiting the inflammatory reactions and enabling the repair and regeneration of tissues. One of such materials is MTA Repair HP (MTA HP) - a type of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) material characterized by high plasticity, composed of hydrophilic particles of mineral oxides.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze the reaction of the pulp-dentin complex of human teeth to MTA HP using 2 radiological techniques - cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Material and methods: In the study, 6 caries-free, intact maxillary and mandibular third molars or premolars from 6 patients aged 30-37 years were analyzed. The teeth were scheduled to be extracted for orthodontic or surgical reasons.

Results: No statistically significant differences in the examined parameters of the tertiary dentin were observed in the CBCT and micro-CT images (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The CBCT technique, similarly to micro-CT, proved to be effective in identifying and assessing the tertiary dentin. Furthermore, CBCT has the advantage of usability in clinical settings. Knowledge on the parameters of reparative dentin identified with radiological techniques is still insufficient, and further research is recommended.