Evaluation of Pulp Tissue Following Direct Pulp Capping with Propolis versus Calcium Hydroxide: A Clinical Trial

Objectives Direct pulp capping may result in formation of a dentinal bridge and preservation of pulp vitality. This randomized controlled clinical trial sought to histologically assess and compare pulp tissue following pulp capping with propolis and calcium hydroxide. Methods In A cavity was prepared at the center of the occlusal surface of 10 third molars scheduled for extraction by using a cylindrical bur. The pulp chamber was exposed with a round bur. Samples were randomly divided into two groups (5 teeth in each group). The first group underwent direct pulp capping with propolis and the second group with calcium hydroxide. Auto-polymerizing glass ionomer was then applied to seal the cavity. The teeth were extracted after 45 days, and histologically evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed using the Fisher’s exact test. Results The quality (P=0.048) and quantity (P=0.008) of dentinal bridge were significantly different between the two groups. Propolis resulted in formation of a continuous dentinal bridge with irregular tubular dentin; whereas, calcium hydroxide resulted in formation of osteodentin (low quality dentin). Conclusion Propolis induced the formation of tubular dentin with higher quality compared with calcium hydroxide.