Abstract
The pulp response of posterior composite resins in relation to the thickness of remaining dentin was studied with 120 teeth from 6 dogs, Class V. cavities were prepared on the cervical area of facial surfaces. The thickness of remaining dentin was controlled with Caries Meter$^{(R)}$. The cavities of group A were prepared to show the electrical impedance of 22-26$K{\Omega}$(thickness of remaining dentin:0.4-0.5mm). The cavities of group B, 50-55$K{\Omega}$(thickness of remaining dentin: 0.8-0.9mm). Zinc - Oxide Eugenol cement, Estilux$^{(R)}$ posterior, Heliomolar$^{(R)}$ radiopaque, P-30$^{(R)}$ and Scotchbond$^{(R)}$+P-30$^{(R)}$ were filled in each cavity. After 3days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 9 weeks and 13 weeks, the teeth and pulp tissue were processed routinely and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Pathological tissue changes were observed with light microscope. The following results were obtained. I. The pulp response of group A cavties was severer than that of group B cavities. 2. In the pulp of group A cavities which were filled with Zinc-Oxide Eugenol Cement, only vascular changes were observed after 3 days and 1 week, severe acute inflammation after 4 weeks, moderate acute inflammation after 9 weeks, and chronic inflammation and formation of granulation tissue after 13 weeks. 3. In the pulp of group A cavities which were filled with Estilux$^{(R)}$ posterior, only vascular changes were observed after 3 days and 1 week. But the inflammatory response has became much severer with the elapsed experimental period. 4. In the pulp of group A cavities which were filled with Heliomolar$^{(R)}$ radiopaque, the inflammatory response with the elapsed experimental period was not severer than that of the pulp of group A cavities which were filled with other materials. 5. In the group B cavities, the difference of pulp response by filling materials was not recognizable. In the group A cavities, the pulp response of Estilux$^{(R)}$ posterior was severest and in order P-30$^{(R)}$, Heliomolar$^{(R)}$ radiopaque was slighter.