A new bioactive cement for direct pulp capping

Biodentine™ is a new bioactive cement with dentin-like mechanical properties, which can be used as a dentin substitute on crowns and roots. It has a positive effect on vital pulp cells and stimulates tertiary dentin formation. In direct contact with vital pulp tissue it also promotes the formation of reparative dentin. This prompted its use for direct pulp capping after iatrogenic pulp exposure at tooth 15 in a 22-year-old male patient. First the entire cavity was filled with Biodentine™. Three months later the cement was reduced to a base to replace the dentin layer and a composite filling was placed to replace the enamel layer. At the follow-up visit at 6 months the tooth was clinically normal and tested positive for sensitivity and negative for percussion. The dental film showed the apical region without any pathological findings. Due to its improved material properties, Biodentine™ is an interesting alternative to conventional calcium hydroxide-based materials. It offers advantages for direct pulp capping and, in properly selected cases, may contribute to the long-term maintenance of tooth vitality.