Dental Pulp Capping

Dental pulp capping is a pivotal procedure within conservative dentistry, designed to preserve the health of the dental pulp and forestall the progression of pulp-related issues. This technique involves the direct application of a medicament onto exposed or nearly exposed pulp tissue, typically post-carious lesion removal. The primary goal is to instigate dentin formation and promote pulp healing, establishing a protective barrier against bacterial intrusion. Direct pulp capping is employed for small exposures, while indirect pulp capping is chosen when the pulp is in close proximity but not directly exposed. Traditional materials like calcium hydroxide have been mainstays due to their antimicrobial properties and ability to induce dentin bridge formation. However, recent innovations, including the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), showcase advanced sealing capabilities and heightened biocompatibility. Dental pulp capping exemplifies a conservative strategy to uphold pulp vitality, and ongoing research is dedicated to refining techniques and exploring novel materials to augment success rates and enhance overall patient outcomes.