Direct pulp capping in permanent teeth in children – types of pulp exposure, therapeutic indications. Part I

Abstract

Direct pulp capping, as a method allowing the preservation of viable and healthy pulp, is a key element in the treatment of immature permanent teeth. Maintaining pulp vitality is a condition for continuous root development, which is important for long-term maintenance of the tooth in the oral cavity. Therefore, the maintenance of vital pulp should be one of the main goals in the treatment of young permanent teeth and biological treatment is particularly recommended in such cases. Since young pulp has a great regenerative potential, the success rates of direct pulp capping are high. Therapeutic indications for this method include traumatic and mechanical exposure of either healthy or reversibly inflamed pulp. Accurate assessment of the clinical condition of the tooth is crucial for the choice of the most appropriate treatment option. Another crucial issue is proper understanding of the mechanisms that occur in the pulp as a result of treatment. Choice of a therapeutic agent, such as commonly used non-setting calcium hydroxide or MTA is also essential. However, other, less popular preparations should be also considered.