Combinations of propolis and Ca(OH)2 in dental pulp capping treatment for the stimulation of reparative dentin formation in a rat model

Caries in the dental pulp result in inflammation and damage to the pulp tissue. During inflammation of the pulp, various inflammatory mediators and growth factors are release, including IL-8, IL-10, TLR-2, VEGF and TGF-β through in the NF-kB pathway. In the present study, therapy for pulpal caries was performed through pulp capping by giving a combination of propolis and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). This treatment was expected to stimulate the formation of reparative dentin as an anti-inflammatory material to prevent pulp tissue damage.