Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether probiotics multi-strain formula affects the development of apical periodontitis (AP) induced in rats. Methodology 16 Wistar rats were divided in two groups (n=8): rats with AP fed with regular diet (Control-C (CG)); rats with AP, fed with regular diet and supplemented with multi-strain formula (one billion colony-forming units (CFU)): GNC Probiotic Complex (PCG) ( Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivaris, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. lactis and Streptococcus thermofilus ). AP was induced in the upper and lower first molars by dental pulp exposure to the oral environment. PCG was administered orally through gavage for 30 days during the AP development. After this period the animals were euthanized and the mandibles were removed and processed for histologic analysis, and immunochemical assays for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1β, RANKL, OPG, and TRAP. The Mann–Whitney U test and Student’s t test were performed (P<.05). Results The CG showed more intense inflammatory infiltrate than the PCG group (P<.05). IL-1β, IL 6 and RANKL decreased in the PCG group compared with CG (P<.05). The IL-10 level increased in the PCG group (P<.05). The OPG level was similar in both groups (P>.05). The number of mature osteoclasts (TRAP-positive multinucleated cells) was lower in PCG group when compared to the CG (P<.05). Conclusion Probiotic Complex modulates inflammation and bone resorption in apical periodontitis.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the tissue response and the biomineralization ability of CER prepared with epoxy resin or water compared to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). Material and Methods: Polyethylene tubes containing materials or empty tubes for control were inserted into the subcutaneous tissues of 30 rats. After 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days, the rats were killed and the tubes were removed for analysis using hematoxylin-eosin staining, von Kossa staining, and under polarized light. Inflammation was graded through a score system; the thickness of the fibrous capsule was classified as thin or thick; the biomineralization ability was recorded as present or absent. The results were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Results: Histologic analysis performed after 7 and 15 days for CER prepared with epoxy resin or water and for MTA showed moderate inflammation and a thick fibrous capsule (p>0.05). After 30, 60, and 90 days, mild inflammation, and a thin fibrous capsule were observed in all groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: All materials had structures positive for von Kossa and birefringent to polarized light. CER epoxy resin showed biocompatibility and biomineralization similar to CER water and MTA.

Abstract Aim To evaluate the cytotoxicity, biocompatibility and mineralization capacity of BIO-C PULPO, and MTA. Methodology L929 fibroblasts were cultured and MTT assay was used to determine the material cytotoxicity on 6, 24, and 48 h. A total of 30 male rats (Wistar) aged between 4 and 6 months, weighing between 250 and 300 g were used. Polyethylene tubes containing BIO-C PULPO, MTA, and empty tubes were implanted into dorsal connective tissue. After the experimental periods (7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days) the tubes were histologically analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), immunolabeling of IL-1β and TNF-α, and von Kossa staining, or without staining for polarized light analysis. The average number of inflammatory cells was quantified; the mineralization assessment was determined by the area marked in μm2 and semiquantitative immunolabeling analyses of IL-1β and TNF-α were performed. Then, data underwent statistical analysis with a 5% significance level. Results It was observed that BIO-C PULPO and MTA presented cytocompatibility at 6, 24, and 48 similar or higher than control for all evaluated period. On periods 7 and 15 days, BIO-C PULPO was the material with the highest number of inflammatory cells (p<0.05). On periods 30, 60, and 90 days, BIO-C PULPO and MTA presented similar inflammatory reactions (p>0.05). No statistical differences were found between Control, BIO-C PULPO, and MTA for immunolabeling of IL-1β and TNF-α in the different periods of analysis (p<0.05). Positive von Kossa staining and birefringent structures under polarized light were observed in all analyzed periods in contact with both materials, but larger mineralization area was found with BIO-C PULPO on day 90 (p<0.05). Conclusion BIO-C PULPO was biocompatible and induced mineralization similar to MTA.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência de união e permeabilidade da interface de pinos de fibra de vidro nos diferentes terços da dentina intrarradicular (cervical, médio e apical) submetidos a diferentes agentes irrigantes. Noventa dentes unirradiculares humanos foram submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico e foram divididos em cinco grupos de acordo com os agentes irrigantes: água destilada, hipoclorito de sódio 5,25%, ácido poliacrílico 25%, clorexidina 2% e dispersão de nanopartícula de prata à 23 ppm. Os grupos foram divididos em 3 subgrupos (n=6) de acordo com a técnica adotada para cimentação adesiva dos pinos de fibra de vidro: Grupo SBU: sistema adesivo ScotchbondTM Universal + cimento resinoso RelyX ARC; Grupo U200: cimento resinoso autoadesivo RelyX U200; Grupo MCE: cimento resinoso autoadesivo Maxcem Elite. A resistência de união e a permeabilidade da interface foram mensurados em diferentes áreas da dentina intrarradicular. Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA e teste de Fisher (a=0,05). Amostras representativas foram levadas à microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A solução de nanopartícula de prata apresentou os maiores valores de resistência de união em todos os terços analisados para o grupo SBU. No grupo U200, os maiores valores foram encontrados para a solução de hipoclorito de sódio, com diferença para o ácido poliacrílico. Observou-se uma diminuição nos valores de resistência de união na direção cérvico-apical para o grupo MCE e o mesmo comportamento foram encontrados para os demais grupos. Com relação a permeabilidade da interface, o uso da solução de nanopartícula de prata resultou em menores valores nos terços cervical e apical. Houve diminuição dos valores de resistência de união no sentido cérvico-apical. As diferentes soluções irrigantes, bem como a profundidade intrarradicular influenciaram a resistência de união e permeabilidade da interface dos materiais adesivos ao substrato dentinário. A nanopartícula de prata pode ser utilizada como agente irrigador do conduto radicular previamente à cimentação de pinos de fibra de vidro.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the push-out bond strength and interface permeability of glass-fiber posts in different regions of post space (cervical, middle, and apical) submitted to different irrigation solutions. Ninety single-rooted human teeth were submitted to endodontic treatment and divided into five groups, according to irrigation solutions: distilled water, 5.25% NaOCl, 25% polyacrylic acid, 2% chlorhexidine, and 23 ppm Ag NP dispersion. Each group was divided in 3 subgroups (n=6) according to cementation: SBU: Adper Scotchbond Universal + RelyX ARC; U200: RelyX U200; MCE: MaxCem Elite. Bond strength and sealing ability were measured in different areas of post space. The data was subjected to ANOVA and Fisher’s test (a=0,05). The silver nanoparticle solution showed highest bond strength values and lowest interface permeability in all thirds analyzed for SBU group. In the U200 group, the highest bond strength values were found for sodium hypochlorite solution, with significant difference between this solution and polyacrylic acid. A decrease in bond strength values in cervical to apical direction was found for MCE group and the same behavior were found for others groups. Regarding interface permeability, use of silver nanoparticle solution resulted in lower values in cervical and apical thirds. There was a decrease in bond strength in cervical to apical direction. Different irrigation solutions and intraradicular depth influenced the bond strength and interface permeability of adhesive material to dentin substrate. Silver nanoparticle solution can effectively be used as an irrigation agent in post space prior to fiber post cementation process.

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide (CH) associated with two different vehicles as a capping material for pulp tissue in primary molars, compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Methodology: Forty-five primary mandibular molars with dental caries were treated by conventional pulpotomy using one of the following materials: MTA only (MTA group), CH with saline (CH+saline group) and CH with polyethylene glycol (CH+PEG group) (15 teeth/group). Clinical and periapical radiographic examinations of the pulpotomized teeth were performed 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Data were tested by chi-squared analysis and a multiple comparison post-test. Results: The MTA group showed both clinical and radiographic treatment success in 14/14 teeth (100%), at all follow-up appointments. By clinical evaluation, no teeth in the CH+saline and CH+PEG groups had signs of mobility, fistula, swelling or inflammation of the surrounding gingival tissue. However, in the CH+saline group, radiographic analysis detected internal resorption in up to 9/15 teeth (67%), and inter-radicular bone resorption and furcation radiolucency in up to 5/15 teeth (36%), from 3 to 12 months of follow-up. In the CH+PEG group, 2/11 teeth (18%) had internal resorption and 1/11 teeth (9%) presented bone resorption and furcation radiolucency at all follow-up appointments. Conclusion: CH with PEG performed better than CH with saline as capping material for pulpotomy of primary teeth. However, both combinations yielded clinical and radiographic results inferior to those of MTA alone.

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the cyclic fatigue resistance of Genius and EdgeFile X1 reciprocating instruments compared with WaveOne Gold Primary. Twenty Genius (Ultradent) 25.04, 20 Genius 30.04, 20 EdgeFile X1 (EdgeEndo) and 20 WaveOne Gold Primary (Dentsply Maillefer) instruments were included in this study and tested in a static cyclic fatigue testing device, which has an artificial stainless steel canal with a 60° angle of curvature and a 5-mm radius of curvature. All instruments were operated in reciprocation mode until fracture occurred. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) was calculated and time to fracture (TF) was recorded in seconds using a digital chronometer. The mean and standard deviations of NCF and TF were calculated for each reciprocating system and the data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and to Dunn's test (p < .05) using SigmaPlot software (Systat software, CA, USA). The fractured surfaces of five instruments from each brand were randomly examined and microphotographed by a low-vacuum environmental scanning electron microscopy – SEM (Tabletop Microscope TM3030, Hitachi, Japan) to confirm the cyclic fatigue fracture. EdgeFile exhibited the highest cyclic fatigue resistance, followed by both Genius files (p < .05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, EdgeFile X1 instruments had significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance than did Genius and WaveOne Gold Primary instruments. The cyclic fatigue resistance of both Genius files was higher than that of WaveOne Gold Primary.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of hypertension on tissue response and biomineralization capacity of white Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), High-plasticity MTA (MTA HP), and Biodentine® (BDT) in rats. Polyethylene tubes filled with MTA, MTA HP, BDT, and the control group (empty tubes) were placed into the dorsal subcutaneous tissue of 32 male rats (16 normotensive (NT) and 16 hypertensive rats - 8 per group). After 7 and 30 days, the polyethylene tubes surrounded by connective tissue were removed, fixed, and embedded in histological resin. The mean number of inflammatory cells was estimated in HE-stained sections, biomineralization was quantified as area (µm2) by Kossa (VK) staining, and examination by polarized light (LP) microscopy was performed. The differences amongst the groups were analyzed statistically by the Mann-Whitney or Student’s t test, according to Shapiro-Wilk test of normality (p < 0.05). The inflammatory responses to all materials were greater in hypertensive rats than in NT rats (p < 0.05). Positive VK staining in MTA and BDT were more pronounced in NT rats at 7 and 30 days (p < 0.05). Birefringent structures in LP for MTA, MTA HP, and BDT were more pronounced in NT rats at 7 days (p<0.05). In rats, hypertension was able to increase inflammatory infiltrate and decrease biomineralization of the tested materials.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência da suplementação profilática e terapêutica com os ácidos graxos ômega-3 no perfil lipídico e na reabsorção óssea, em ratos com periodontite apical. Quarenta ratos machos foram divididos em grupos: ratos controle (C), ratos tratados com ácidos graxos ômega-3 (C+O), ratos com periodontite apical induzida por meio de exposição pulpar (PA), ratos com PA tratados com ácidos graxos ômega-3 (PA+O). A administração do ômega-3 foi realizada oralmente, uma vez ao dia durante 15 antes da exposição pulpar e, subsequentemente, por mais 30 dias depois da exposição pulpar. A PA foi induzida por meio da exposição do tecido pulpar ao ambiente oral. Após 30 dias, os ratos foram mortos e os níveis de triglicérides e colesterol foram mensurados pelo método enzimático de Trinder. As mandíbulas foram coletadas e submetidas à análise histológica. Análise de variância de dois fatores e teste de Kruskal-Wallis foram utilizados para análise estatística, e o nível de significância foi de p < 0,05. Os níveis de triglicérides do grupo PA foram significativamente maiores que dos grupos C, C+O e PA+O (p<0,05). Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa nos níveis de colesterol entre os grupos (p>0,05). Ratos com PA apresentaram maior área de reabsorção óssea bem como maior intensidade no infiltrado inflamatório comparados aos ratos com PA suplementados com ômega-3. Pode-se concluir que a presença de múltiplos focos de PA aumentou os níveis de triglicérides. Além disso, a suplementação com ômega-3 pode reduzir estes níveis em ratos com PA, bem como a área de reabsorção óssea dos tecidos periapicais.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the prophylactic and therapeutic supplementation with omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (w-3 PUFAs) on the lipid profile and periapical bone resorption in rats with apical periodontitis. Forty male rats were divided into groups: control rats (C), rats treated with w-3 PUFAs (C+O), rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis (AP), and rats with AP treated with w-3 PUFAs (AP+O). The administration of w-3 PUFAs was carried out orally once a day for 15 days before pulp exposure and, subsequently, for an additional 30 days after pulp exposure. AP was induced by exposing pulpal tissues to the oral environment. The samples were collected after 30 days. Triglycerides and cholesterol levels were enzymatically measured using the Trinder method. The jaws were collected and submitted for histological analysis. Two-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis, and the significance was set at p<0.05. The triglyceride levels of the AP group were significantly higher than those of the C, C+O and AP+O groups (p<0.05). However, the difference in the cholesterol levels among the groups was not significant (p>0.05). Rats with AP showed larger areas of bone resorption as well as higher inflammatory intensity compared with rats with AP supplemented with w-3 PUFAs. It may be concluded that the presence of multiple AP foci increased the triglyceride levels. In addition, omega 3 supplementation might reduce these levels in rats with AP, as well as the bone resorption areas of periapical tissues.

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the capping materials mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium hydroxide (CH) and BiodentineTM (BD) on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in vitro. Material and Methods: SHED were cultured for 1 – 7 days in medium conditioned by incubation with MTA, BD or CH (1 mg/mL), and tested for viability (MTT assay) and proliferation (SRB assay). Also, the migration of serum-starved SHED towards conditioned media was assayed in companion plates, with 8 μm-pore-sized membranes, for 24 h. Gene expression of dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) was evaluated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Regular culture medium with 10% FBS (without conditioning) and culture medium supplemented with 20% FBS were used as controls. Results: MTA, CH and BD conditioned media maintained cell viability and allowed continuous SHED proliferation, with CH conditioned medium causing the highest positive effect on proliferation at the end of the treatment period (compared with BD and MTA) (p<0.05). In contrast, we observed increased SHED migration towards BD and MTA conditioned media (compared with CH) (p<0.05). A greater amount of DMP-1 gene was expressed in MTA group compared with the other groups from day 7 up to day 21. Conclusion: Our results show that the three capping materials are biocompatible, maintain viability and stimulate proliferation, migration and differentiation in a key dental stem cell population.

Abstract: Endodontic medicine, which addresses the bidirectional relationship between endodontic infections and systemic diseases, has gained prominence in the field of endodontics. There is much evidence showing that while systemic disease may influence the pathogenesis of endodontic infection, endodontic infection can also cause systemic alterations. These alterations include more severe bone resorption and inflammation in the periapical area as well as enhanced systemic disease symptoms. Similarly, many reports have described the impact of systemic diseases on the tissue responses to dental materials. Conversely, the local use of dental materials may show systemic effects in the form of altered production of biomarkers. Thus, studies to better understand the mechanisms related to those connections are extremely important. In this context, the objective of this review was to analyze and discuss the current literature regarding the connections among these three factors—systemic diseases, endodontic infection, and endodontic dental materials—and determine how these connections may interfere in the systemic health status and the endodontic treatment outcomes, which are represented by periapical wound healing.

Abstract Tissue repair is an essential process that reestablishes tissue integrity and regular function. Nevertheless, different therapeutic factors and clinical conditions may interfere in this process of periapical healing. This review aims to discuss the important therapeutic factors associated with the clinical protocol used during root canal treatment and to highlight the systemic conditions associated with the periapical healing process of endodontically treated teeth. The antibacterial strategies indicated in the conventional treatment of an inflamed and infected pulp and the modulation of the host's immune response may assist in tissue repair, if wound healing has been hindered by infection. Systemic conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, can also inhibit wound healing. The success of root canal treatment is affected by the correct choice of clinical protocol. These factors are dependent on the sanitization process (instrumentation, irrigant solution, irrigating strategies, and intracanal dressing), the apical limit of the root canal preparation and obturation, and the quality of the sealer. The challenges affecting the healing process of endodontically treated teeth include control of the inflammation of pulp or infectious processes and simultaneous neutralization of unpredictable provocations to the periapical tissue. Along with these factors, one must understand the local and general clinical conditions (systemic health of the patient) that affect the outcome of root canal treatment prediction.

Resumo A contagem de plaquetas está associada a doenças inflamatórias como a diabetes mellitus (DM), que, por sua vez, está relacionada de forma bidirecional com periodontite apical e com a doença periodontal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da periodontite apical e/ou da doença periodontal na contagem de plaquetas utilizando o modelo de rato para DM. Oitenta ratos Wistar foram divididos aleatoriamente em 8 grupos (n=10): controle (C), periodontite apical (AP), doença periodontal (PD), periodontite apical com doença periodontal (AP-PD), diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetes mellitus com periodontite apical (DM-AP), diabetes mellitus com doença periodontal (DM-PD) e diabetes mellitus com periodontite apical e doença periodontal (DM-AP-PD). Os ratos foram anestesiados e a DM foi induzida com uma dose única de estreptozotocina diluída na solução tampão citrato. Após 6 dias, o DM foi confirmada. Os animais foram sedados e a periodontite apical foi induzida pela exposição dentária e a doença periodontal foi induzida por ligadura periodontal. Após 30 dias, os animais foram anestesiados e o sangue foi coletado por punção cardíaca. As amostras foram processadas e a contagem média de plaquetas foi obtida. Os dados foram tabulados e submetidos a análise estatística (p <0,05). Os ratos diabéticos apresentaram níveis glicêmicos médios mais elevados em comparação com ratos não diabéticos aos 6 e 36 dias após a indução da DM (p <0,05). Os grupos DM-PD e DM-PD-AP mostraram aumento da contagem média de plaquetas em comparação com os grupos controle e AP (p <0,05). A doença periodontal isolada ou associada à periodontite apical influencia na contagem de plaquetas em modelo de rato para diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Platelet count is associated with inflammatory diseases like diabetes mellitus (DM), which in turn, is related in a bidirectional manner with apical periodontitis and periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of apical periodontitis and/or periodontal disease on mean platelet count in a rat model of diabetes mellitus. Eighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=10): control (C), apical periodontitis (AP), periodontal disease (PD), apical periodontitis with periodontal disease (AP-PD), diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetes mellitus with apical periodontitis (DM-AP), diabetes mellitus with periodontal disease (DM-PD) and diabetes mellitus with apical periodontitis and periodontal disease (DM-AP-PD). Rats were anesthetized and DM was induced with a single dose of streptozotocin diluted in citrate buffer solution. After 6 days, the DM was confirmed. The animals were sedated and apical periodontitis was induced by dental exposure and periodontal disease was induced by periodontal ligature. After 30 days, animals were anesthetized and the blood was collected by cardiac puncture. Samples were processed and the mean platelet count was obtained. Data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis (p<0.05). Diabetic rats had higher mean glycemic levels compared with nondiabetic rats at 6 and 36 days after DM induction (p<0.05). The DM-PD and DM-PD-AP groups showed increased mean platelet count compared to control and AP groups (p<0.05). The periodontal disease alone or associated with apical periodontitis influence mean platelet count in a rat model of diabetes mellitus.

Resumo O peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) é capaz de penetrar pelos tecidos dentários, alterando a coloração destes, e causar danos a polpa. Este estudo avaliou a penetração por esmalte e dentina, a alteração de cor e a reposta tecidual pulpar, provocadas pelo uso de duas concentrações de H2O2 em protocolos de clareação dentária de consultório. Discos de dentes bovinos em câmaras pulpares artificiais receberam géis clareadores para avaliação da penetração por esmalte e dentina e da alteração de cor, formando os grupos: BLU (H2O2 20% - 1x50 min, Whiteness HP Blue); MAX (H2O2 35% - 3x15 min, Whiteness HP Maxx); e Controle (gel placebo - 1x50 min). A penetração por esmalte e dentina foi quantificada baseada na reação do H2O2 com o corante violeta leucocristal, e a alteração de cor foi analisada pelo sistema CIELab. Vinte ratos Wistar foram divididos em dois grupos (BLU e MAX), e tiveram os molares direito superiores tratados com os mesmos protocolos do estudo in vitro; os molares superiores do lado esquerdo serviram de controle. Após 2 dias, os animais foram eutanasiados e as maxilas examinadas por microscopia de luz. Foram atribuídos escores ao infiltrado inflamatório (1, ausente; 2, leve; 3, moderado; 4 severo ou necrose). Os dados foram submetidos a testes estatísticos (=0,05). O grupo MAX apresentou maior penetração de H2O2 por esmalte e dentina (p<0,05). A alteração de cor foi semelhante nos grupos clareados (p>0,05), mas diferente quando comparados grupos clareados com controle (p<0,05). MAX apresentou inflamação severa nos terços superiores da polpa coronária, e BLU apresentou inflamação moderada (p<0,05). Assim, protocolo para procedimento clareador de consultório utilizando baixas concentrações de H2O2 deve ser de escolha na clínica, por reduzir a penetração por esmalte e dentina, causando menos danos à polpa, e proporcionar mesma eficiência clareadora.

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) penetrates into the dental hard tissues causing color alteration but also alterations in pulpal tissues. Hard-tissue penetration, color alteration and the pulp response alterations were evaluated for two in-office bleaching protocols with H2O2. For trans-enamel/dentin penetration and color alteration, discs of bovine teeth were attached to an artificial pulp chamber and bleached according to the groups: BLU (20% H2O2 - 1x50 min, Whiteness HP Blue); MAX (35% H2O2 - 3x15 min, Whiteness HP Maxx); Control (1x50 min, placebo). Trans-enamel/dentin penetration was quantified based on the reaction of H2O2 with leucocrystal violet and the color analyzed by CIELab System. Twenty Wistar rats were divided into two groups (BLU and MAX) and their maxillary right molars were treated according to the same protocols of the in vitro study; the maxillary left molars were used as controls. After 2 days, the animals were killed and their maxillae were examined by light microscopy. The inflammation of pulp tissue was scored according to the inflammatory infiltrate (1, absent; 2, mild; 3, moderate; 4, severe/necrosis). Data were analyzed by statistical tests (α=0.05). MAX showed higher trans-enamel/dentinal penetration of H2O2 (p<0.05). The color alteration was similar for both groups (p>0.05), and different when compared to Control group (p<0.05). MAX showed severe inflammation in the upper thirds of the coronal pulp, and BLU showed moderate inflammation (p<0.05). In-office bleaching protocols using lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide should be preferred due to their reduced trans-enamel/dentinal penetration since they cause less pulp damage and provide same bleaching efficiency.

ABSTRACT Dental materials in general are tested in different animal models prior to the clinical use in humans, except for bleaching agents. Objectives To evaluate an experimental rat model for comparative studies of bleaching agents, by investigating the influence of different concentrations and application times of H2O2 gel in the pulp tissue during in-office bleaching of rats’ vital teeth. Material and Methods The right and left maxillary molars of 50 Wistar rats were bleached with 20% and 35% H2O2 gels, respectively, for 5, 10, 15, 30, or 45 min (n=10 rats/group). Ten animals were untreated (control). The rats were killed after 2 or 30 days, and the maxillae were examined by light microscopy. Inflammation was evaluated through histomorphometric analysis with inflammatory cell count in the coronal and radicular thirds of the pulp. Fibroblasts were also counted. Scores were attributed to odontoblastic layer and vascular changes. Tertiary dentin area and pulp chamber central area were measured histomorphometrically. Data were compared by analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Results After 2 days, the amount of inflammatory cells increased in the coronal pulp occlusal third up to the 15-min application groups of each bleaching gel. In the groups exposed to each concentration for 30 and 45 min, the number of inflammatory cells decreased along with the appearance of necrotic areas. After 30 days, reduction on the pulp chamber central area and enlargement of the tertiary dentin area were observed, without the detection of inflammation areas. Conclusion The rat model of extracoronal bleaching showed to be adequate for studies of bleaching protocols, as it was possible to observe alterations in the pulp tissues and tooth structure caused by different concentrations and application periods of bleaching agents.

ABSTRACT Dental materials, in general, are tested in different animal models prior to their clinical use in humans, except for bleaching agents. Objectives To evaluate an experimental rat model for comparative studies of bleaching agents by investigating the influence of different concentrations and application times of H2O2 gel in the pulp tissue during in-office bleaching of rats’ vital teeth. Material and methods The right and left maxillary molars of 50 Wistar rats were bleached with 20% and 35% H2O2 gels, respectively, for 5, 10, 15, 30, or 45 min (n=10 rats/group). Ten animals (control) were untreated. The rats were killed after 2 or 30 days, and the maxillae were examined by light microscopy. Inflammation was evaluated by histomorphometric analysis with inflammatory cell counting in the coronal and radicular thirds of the pulp. The counting of fibroblasts was also performed. Scores were attributed to the odontoblastic layer and to vascular changes. The tertiary dentin area and the pulp chamber central area were histomorphometrically measured. Data were compared by the analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Results After 2 days, the amount of inflammatory cells increased in the occlusal third of the coronal pulp until the time of 15 min for both concentrations of bleaching gels. In 30 and 45 min groups of each concentration, the number of inflammatory cells decreased along with the appearance of necrotic areas. After 30 days, a reduction in the pulp chamber central area and an enlargement of tertiary dentin area were observed without the detection of inflammation areas. Conclusion The rat model of extra coronal bleaching showed to be adequate for bleaching protocols studies, as it was possible to observe alterations in the pulp tissues and in the tooth structure caused by different concentrations and periods of application of bleaching agents.