Effects of Calcium Carbonate on Odontoblast Differentiation and Calcification Ability of Human Dental Pulp Cells

123 INTRODUCTION Understanding the biology of the dentin-pulp complex has now reached the point at which new treatment modalities aimed at tooth regeneration might be realized in clinical settings. Pulp capping is best described as capping of the exposed pulp and is indicated for reversible pulp tissue injury after physical or mechanical trauma in developing or mature teeth. The control of infection and biocompatibility of pulp-capping materials are important factors in determining treatment outcomes . Typically, agents based on calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) are used for direct pulp-capping treatment. Ca(OH)2 dissociates into calcium and hydroxyl ions, which, in turn, results in an increase in pH from neutrality to 12.5 and the release of calcium ions . This high pH resulting from the dissociation of Ca(OH)2 is thought to produce an enviEffects of Calcium Carbonate on Odontoblast Differentiation and Calcification Ability of Human Dental Pulp Cells