PULPAL RESPONSE TO A RESIN-MODIFIED GLASS-IONOMER MATERIAL ON NONEXPOSED AND EXPOSED MONKEY PULPS

Objective: This study evaluated the biocompatibility of a resin-modifi ed glass-ionomer material on monkey pulps. Method and materials: Stand ardized Class V cavities were prepared in 112 teeth distributed in six healthy adult monkeys. The resin-modified glass-ionomer cement was pl aced in 24 nonexposed nad 36 exposed pulps according to manufacturer's instructions. ZOE was used as a control in nonexposed pulps, while ca lcium hydroxide was used as a control for exposed pulps. Tissues were collected at 6 to 7, 21 to 27, and 90 to 97 days. After demineralizati on, the teeth were serially sectioned, stained, and observed by light microscopy. Results: Except for one resin-modified glass-ionomer pulp at 6 days, there were no differences between the responses of nonexpos ed pulps to resin-modified glass-ionomer specimens and ZOE controls. I n exposed pulps, eight of 36 resin-modified glass-ionomer pulps showed various grades of inflammatory response, all associated with stained bacteria. Pulpal healing was similar in both resin-modified glass-iono mer and calcium hydroxide direct-capped exposures. Twenty-two of 26 ex posed pulps restored with the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement show ed dentin bridge formation at 21 and 97 days. Conclusion: The resin-mo dified glass-ionomer material exhibited acceptable biologic compatibil ity in exposed and nonexposed cavities.