Effects of alternating and direct electrical current application on the odontoblastic layer in human teeth: an in vitro study

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a low intensi ty alternating current on the odontoblasts and odontoblast layer and compar e this with the effects of a direct current. Methodology Teeth extracted for orthodontic were immersed in physiological saline stabilized with thymol crystals. Within 1h of extraction, an alterna ting or direct current was applied on the crown in the direction of the ape x of the tooth for 120-360s. The current doses were 12, 30, 60, 600 1800, 3 600, 7200, 24 000 and 144 000 mu C. The teeth were fixed in Bouin or Baker fluids, the pulps removed, dehydrated and immersed in paraffin, then sectio ned, stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and studied under a light microsc ope. Results Neither direct nor alternating current, similar to that applied in electrical caries diagnosis caused histological changes in the odontoblasts . Conclusions There was no difference between direct and low intensity alte rnating current in the response of the odontoblast.