Histological evaluation of pulpal response to direct pulp capping using statins with α-tricalcium phosphate and mineral trioxide aggregate in human teeth

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of direct pulp capping by statins with α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on pulp tissue of human teeth through histological evaluation. AIMS: The aim of the present study is to compare the pulpal response of statins (simvastatin or atorvastatin) with α-TCP to that of MTA on human teeth by light microscopic histological evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety intact premolar teeth scheduled for orthodontic extraction were used for the study. Class 1 cavities were prepared, and the pulp was mechanically exposed under rubber dam isolation. The samples were divided into three groups of thirty teeth each (Group I – simvastatin + α-TCP, Group II – atorvastatin + α-TCP, and Group III – MTA), and the test materials were placed accordingly. After the experimental periods of 7, 30, and 90 days, the teeth were extracted atraumatically. The samples were then evaluated for the degree of inflammation, tissue damage, and hard tissue formation under light microscope, and they were scored based on the histopathologic findings. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between Groups I, II, and III in terms of inflammation, tissue damage, and hard tissue formation for all the three observation periods (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin and atorvastatin with α-TCP were found to be effective in inducing dentin bridge formation which was comparable to MTA.