Effects of kinetic cavity preparation vs. conventional handpiece preparation on the human dental pulp

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the histopathologic effects of kinetic cavity preparation to the histopathologic effects of conventional high-speed handpiece preparation on the human dental pulp. The objective was to test the following hypothesis: kinetic cavity preparation results in significantly fewer pulpal effects than does conventional preparation using the high-speed handpiece. Class V cavity preparations were made in 26 teeth of seven patients who required extraction of these teeth for orthodontic purposes. Thirteen teeth were prepared using kinetic cavity preparation, using 27-um aluminum oxide particles at 160 pounds per square inch pressure. Thirteen were prepared using the high-speed handpiece and 330bur. Glass ionomer restorations were placed in all teeth. Extractions were done 10 to 15days after preparation. On teeth with closed apices, the apical one-third of the root was removed. All teeth were placed in 10 percent formalin solution. Teeth were sectioned and selected slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histologic evaluation. Microscopic findings indicated that the amount of remaining dentin was of significant thickness to be protective to the pulp. Pulpal responses ranged from no response in 22 specimens to a mild response in 4 specimens. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that shallow preparation into the dentin does not cause pulpal damage at 10 to 15 days post-preparation, when using either kinetic cavity preparation or high-speed handpiece preparation. The hypothesis that kinetic cavity preparation causes significantly fewer pulpal effects than does conventional preparation with the high-speed handpiece was rejected.