Pulp capping is a dental procedure used to protect the dental pulp after it has been exposed or nearly exposed due to decay or trauma, aiming to preserve the vitality of the tooth. This procedure can be direct or indirect, depending on whether the pulp is exposed, and involves placing a protective dressing over the pulp to facilitate healing and dentin formation.

Pulp Capping

Pulp capping

dental procedure

Dental pulp is the innermost part of the tooth, consisting of living connective tissue and cells called odontoblasts, which are responsible for the formation of dentin. It plays a crucial role in tooth vitality by supplying nutrients, nerves, and blood vessels, making it essential for both tooth development and sensory function.

dental pulp

Exposure of dental pulp

Decay in teeth

Trauma to teeth

vitality of the tooth

Direct pulp capping is a dental procedure aimed at preserving the vitality of a tooth's pulp after it has been exposed due to caries or trauma. It involves the application of a biocompatible material directly onto the exposed pulp to promote healing and maintain tooth function without the need for more invasive treatments like root canal therapy.

Direct Pulp Capping

Indirect pulp capping is a dental procedure aimed at preserving the vitality of a potentially exposed dental pulp by placing a protective dressing over a thin layer of remaining dentin. This technique encourages the formation of tertiary dentin, thereby preventing the need for more invasive treatments like root canal therapy.

Indirect Pulp Capping

protective dressing

Healing of dental pulp

Dentin formation, or dentinogenesis, is a critical process in tooth development where odontoblasts secrete a mineralized matrix that forms the bulk of the tooth structure beneath the enamel. This process is essential for tooth vitality, sensitivity, and protection against external stimuli and decay.

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