Investigation of the effect of pulp capping materials on mesenchymal dental pulp stem cells

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the capping materials used in pulp capping on dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSC) in terms of cytotoxic and odontogenic differentiation. Method and Meterials: In this study, in order to determine the cytotoxic effects of the current capping materials like Biodentine, MM-MTA, BioAggregate and TheraCal, a WST-1 test was applied upon DP-MSC. Furthermore, to assay the odontogenic differentiation, disc-shaped (5x2 mm) specimens of capping materials and DP-MSCs were common cultered in odontogenic induction medium and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity which is a marker of odontogenic differentiation, was tested. Results: According to the WST-1 test, cytotoxic effect compared with the control group was observed in all of the capping materials. TheraCal was observed to be more cytotoxic than the other capping materials. The highest potential of odontogenic differentiation between materials was observed in TheraCal group. Biodentine and MM-MTA had low ALP activity when compared with control group. Conclusion: Even though the newly developed pulp capping materials have superior properties to stimulate new tissue formation, it is needed to be careful in terms of cytotoxicity and further studies should be performed.