Pulp Capping
A dental procedure in which a material is placed directly or indirectly over exposed or nearly exposed dental pulp to promote healing and preserve pulp vitality.
Full Definition
Pulp capping encompasses two related procedures: direct pulp capping, in which a biocompatible material is placed directly onto exposed pulp tissue, and indirect pulp capping, in which a protective liner is placed over a thin layer of residual carious dentine to avoid pulp exposure. Both aim to maintain pulp vitality and stimulate reparative dentine formation. In dental research, pulp capping studies evaluate materials such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium hydroxide, and calcium silicate cements as the capping agent. Editors must ensure the distinction between direct and indirect capping is explicit, as the two procedures have different indications, success criteria, and follow-up protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish rigorously between direct and indirect pulp capping in editorial review; conflation of the two procedures is a common manuscript error.
In Context
- "Direct pulp capping with MTA yielded a success rate of 92% at two years compared with 74% for calcium hydroxide." — Vital pulp therapy RCT results
- "Authors should clarify whether direct or indirect pulp capping was performed, as the two procedures carry different prognoses." — Editorial comment on a restorative dentistry manuscript