Pre-Clinical Usage Tests

These are the most expensive and include:

Pulp and dentin usage test — The test is designed to assess the biocompatibility of dental materials placed in dentin adjacent to the dental pulp of non-rodent mammals like dogs, ferrets etc. The material is placed in contact with open dentin 1.0 mm from the pulp and evaluated after given period of time. The specimens are examined regarding inflammatory response, reparative dentin formation and the number of micro-organisms entrapped in the surrounding cavity walls and cut dentinal tubules. If an inflammatory response is produced, the time required for its disappearance is also measured.

Pulp capping and pulpotomy usage tests — The testing procedures are similar to the previous ones, except that the pulp is exposed. The animals are evaluated for dentin bridge formation, its quality and structure.

Endodontic usage tests — For this test, the pulp is completely removed from the pulp chamber and roots and replaced by the obturating test material and control material. The degree of inflammation is evaluated in the periapical tissues.