Abstract
Background: Direct pulp capping success depends on materials that promote healing while preventing infection. This study evaluated silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-enhanced resin composite for pulp capping compared to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and conventional resin.
Methods: Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups (n=6/group): Control (resin only), MTA, and AgNPs (resin with 1% w/w 50nm AgNPs). After pulp exposure and capping, teeth were extracted at 4 weeks for histological analysis using H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. Inflammatory cell area percentage was quantified via Leica QWin image analysis.
Results: Histological and histochemical analyses were conducted after four weeks. The AgNPs group demonstrated minimal inflammatory cell infiltration, no necrosis, and prominent reparative dentin formation with thick, continuous dentin bridges. Collagen fiber organization was superior in the AgNPs group, indicating enhanced tissue regeneration. One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in inflammatory cell area percentage among the experimental groups, the AgNPs group showing the lowest inflammation (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that AgNPs not only reduce bacterial infection risks but also promote pulp healing and regeneration, outperforming traditional MTA in key areas.
Conclusion: AgNP-modified resin composites significantly reduced pulpal inflammation and enhanced tissue regeneration compared to both MTA and conventional resin, suggesting their potential as an advanced pulp capping material combining antimicrobial properties with biocompatibility.