Fibrinogen/fibrin and fibronectin in the dentin-pulp complex after cavity preparation in rat molars

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in distribution of fibrinogen/fibrin and fibronectin in the dentin-pulp complex after cavity preparation. Study design. Class V cavity preparations were prepared on maxillary first molars of 12 rats. The dentin and pulps were observed histologically and immunohistochemically for fibrinogen and fibronectin at 6 hours and 1, 2, and 3 days after the preparation. Results. At 6 hours and 1 day after cavity preparation, positive staining for fibrinogen was noted in the exudative lesion and in the dentinal tubules under the cavity preparation. Fibronectin staining in the exudate showed a pattern with close similarity to the fibrinogen staining. At 3 days after cavity preparation, the irregularly shaped predentin under the cavity preparation showed strong positive staining for fibronectin. Conclusions. Fibrinogen/fibrin and fibronectin are present during the healing process of the dentin-pulp complex after cavity preparation.