Short Description
A protective dental treatment applied to exposed or nearly exposed pulp to promote healing and prevent the need for a root canal.
Long Description
A pulp cap is a dental procedure used to protect and preserve the pulp when it is exposed or nearly exposed due to deep decay or trauma. It helps the pulp heal naturally and prevents the need for root canal therapy by sealing the area and stimulating dentin regeneration.
There are two types of pulp caps: direct and indirect. A direct pulp cap is placed directly over exposed pulp, while an indirect pulp cap is used when the pulp is close to being exposed but still covered by a thin layer of dentin. Materials like calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) are used to encourage healing and protect against bacterial infection.
Success depends on the pulp’s condition and proper sealing of the restoration. If inflammation progresses, root canal treatment may still be required. Regular monitoring ensures the tooth remains healthy after a pulp cap is applied.