Objective: To investigate the function of collagen on reparative dentin formation, collagen was used as capping pulp material in the teeth of minipigs.
Methods: The histopathologic examinations and ultrastructures were observed after capping for 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 13 weeks.
Results: After 2 weeks, the reparative dental masses were formed and the stellative cells appeared. After 4 weeks, the reparative dental bridges were formed and the degenerative cells appeared in matrix. After 13 weeks, the complete, think and dense dental bridges were observed.
Conclusions: It is suggested that capping with collagen can promote formation of reparative dentine without stimulation to the pulp and that collagen can be used for capping.