Pulp Capping
A procedure in which a medicament is placed directly or indirectly over exposed or near-exposed dental pulp tissue to promote healing and preserve pulp vitality.
Full Definition
Pulp capping is a conservative endodontic procedure aimed at maintaining pulp vitality when the pulp is at risk of exposure or has been minimally exposed. In direct pulp capping, a biocompatible material such as mineral trioxide aggregate or calcium hydroxide is placed directly on an exposed pulp. Indirect pulp capping involves placing the material over a thin layer of remaining dentin without direct pulp contact. The goal is to stimulate reparative dentinogenesis and avoid full pulpectomy. Editors must distinguish between direct and indirect variants, as conflating them misrepresents the clinical procedure performed.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify 'direct' or 'indirect' when editing clinical records; the unqualified term is ambiguous.
In Context
- "The operative report documented a direct pulp capping procedure using MTA on tooth #19 following accidental exposure." — Operative dental report
- "Reviewers should note that indirect pulp capping is distinct from a pulpotomy, as no pulp tissue is removed." — Editorial style guide for dental manuscripts