Dental pulp cappings refer to a dental procedure performed with the objective of preserving a healthy dental pulp or treating a damaged one. Dental pulp can be described as the soft connective tissue located inside the tooth, which includes blood vessels, nerves, and cells responsible for tissue repair and tooth development.
The dental pulp can become compromised due to various factors such as tooth decay, trauma, or infection. In cases where the pulp is either inflamed or infected, dental pulp cappings may be administered. This procedure involves the removal of the affected pulp tissue and the placement of a protective material directly over the remaining healthy pulp to promote healing and prevent further damage.
Dental pulp cappings can be categorized into two main types: indirect and direct pulp capping. Indirect pulp capping is usually performed when there is severe decay or injury close to the pulp, but the pulp itself is not directly exposed. In this case, a medicated base or liner is placed between the damaged tooth structure and a restorative material to help encourage the healing process.
On the other hand, direct pulp capping is conducted when the pulp is exposed, typically due to a deep cavity or a traumatic injury. A specific dental material, such as a biocompatible calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate, is placed directly over the exposed pulp to provide a protective barrier and stimulate the growth of new dentin, which is the hard tissue that forms the majority of the tooth's structure, ultimately aiding in the preservation of the tooth's vitality and function.
Overall, dental pulp cappings are preventive or therapeutic techniques used to treat or manage pulp-related issues and promote the long-term health and viability of the tooth.
