Promoting Dentin Bridge Formation Through N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine Application in Rat Molar Pulpotomy: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Pulpotomy is performed when tooth decay reaches the dental pulp or when the crown is fractured due to trauma. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is commonly used in pulpotomy, but its prognosis can be variable. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant amino acid, has garnered attention due to its potential benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MTA and NAC on pulpotomy outcomes. We used Sprague Dawley rat maxillary molars to perform pulpotomy and employed Superbond C&B, MTA, and MTA mixed with NAC (MTA–NAC) for pulp capping. We obtained tissue sections 3 and 7 days postpulpotomy, conducting histological analysis by examining the morphology of pulp tissue and assessing dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and osteopontin expression levels. At 3 days postpulpotomy, MTA and MTA–NAC reduced the inflammatory response. At 7 days postpulpotomy, dentin bridge formation was observed following MTA–NAC application, and although MTA resulted in DSPP- and osteopontin-positive areas, these areas were more extensive following MTA–NAC application. Given that adding NAC to MTA enhanced dentin bridge formation, MTA–NAC appears to be a superior option for pulp capping.