An enzyme histochemical study of the influence of formocresol and calcium hydroxide on the dental pulp

Abstract

Eronat N, van Mullem PJ, Wijnbergen M. An enzyme histochemical study of the infiuence of formocresol and calcium hydroxide on the dental pulp. Endod Dent Traumatol 1988; 4: 37-43.Abstract -Sections of goat incisor pulps were studied after a 5min application of formocresol (FC) or after calcium hydroxide or saline/ZnOE treatment followed by freeze-sectioning. After 3-7 days the incisal part of the pulp was necrotic, as shown by absence of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. The necrotic zone was much larger after FC than after saline/ZnOE or calcium hydroxide. The LDH negative area after application of FC appeared to consist of a layer showing nuclei that were wellpreserved by the formaldehyde from the FC, and an area of tissue breakdown, which showed no or a reduced structure according to hematoxylin atid eosin. Well-preserved nuclei were not found in the 2 other groups. After 14 days all necrotic tissue, except that subjacent to calcium hydroxide, had been replaced by vital (LDH-positive) tissue. After saline/ZnOE or calcium hydroxide treatment, hard-tissue formation was found in all teeth, and after FC treatment in the majority of teeth.