Background: To overcome the disadvantages of various synthetic-based biomaterials used in pulp therapy, the researchers are directed towards innovation of novel materials that are biologically compatible. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is considered one of the novel biologically-based autologous substitutes.
Purpose: To evaluate histopathologically the pulp response to the platelet-rich plasma as a pulpotomy medicament in primary teeth.
Materials and methods: A total of 30 healthy lower first primary molars and canines that indicated for serial extraction were selected for this experiment. PRP and formocresol pulpotomies were performed (12 teeth/each group), where the other 6 teeth were used as a control. Four teeth from each experimental group and one control were extracted at post-treatment intervals; 14 days, one and three months. The samples were prepared and the tissues' sections were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin for histopathological evaluation. Using ordinary light microscope, all sections were histopathologically analyzed blindly in terms of soft tissues organization, degree of inflammatory reaction, hyperemic changes, pulp necrosis and dentin bridge formation.
Statistical analysis: All data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U-test and the probability level of significance was accepted at p < 0.05.
Results: The overall histopathological results of pulp response to PRP were statistically significant in terms of soft tissue organization, degrees of inflammation, hyperemia, and pulp necrosis than formocresol (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Histopathologically, it was concluded that PRP had induced significantly
a successful healing biologic response than synthetic formacresol; serving as a potent autogenous pulpotomy medicament alternative to formocresol.