Standardized propolis extract and calcium hydroxide as pulpotomy agents in primary pig teeth

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological features of the pulp tissue in primary pig teeth submitted to pulpotomy and capped with calcium hydroxide-based and standardized propolis extract-based pastes, and the combination of these pastes. Methods: Nine 4-month-old male pigs were used in this study, which were distributed into 4 groups, according to the studied pastes: Group 1-calcium hydroxide; Group 2-standardized propolis extract; Group 3-combination of pastes 1 and 2 in the proportion 1:1; and Group 4-control. The teeth used for the pulpotomy were the 4 mandibular primary incisors. Results: After 7, 21, and 42 days, the animals were killed and the teeth were removed for histological analysis. At 42 days, all teeth in Groups 1 to 3 presented a complete hard tissue barrier and the pulp tissue beneath was without inflammation. Conclusion: According to these findings, calcium hydroxide and standardized propolis extract favored the formation of a hard tissue barrier in primary pig teeth submitted to pulpotomy.