Human ex vivo dentin-pulp complex preservation in a full crown model.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, there is lack of human in vitro full tooth models that hold the odontoblast layer with pulp tissue in their native environment. The appearance of new in vitro and in vivo models has provided new understanding of the potential of tissue engineering in dental pulp regeneration. However, the development of new in vitro full tooth models will allow us to get closer to in vivo conditions. Thus, the aim of this study is to preserve a living dentin-pulp complex, in a novel in vitro full crown model, after tooth extraction.

METHODS: Twenty intact third molars, after preparation, were divided into four groups, with five samples each. We placed the negative control samples (C) in saline, and the tested groups were placed (T) in supplemented DMEM, at two different times: 1 and 7 days. The specimens were processed for light microscopy observation.

RESULTS: Contrary to C-groups, T-groups showed a functional dentin-pulp complex. The treated dentin-pulp complex presents normal histological appearance.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that it is possible to preserve a living dentin-pulp complex after tooth extraction during 7 days.