Pulp capping, pulp chamber pulpotomy and pulp vitality preservation

The recent development of new biomaterials and improved understanding of pulp biology have allowed a reconsideration of the systematisation of endodontic treatments in the case of pulp exposure. The importance of tissue conservation for the durability of treatments has been demonstrated. Pulp capping corresponds to the placement of a biomaterial in direct contact with the pulp. The objective of the treatment is to obtain a biological seal of the site. The prognosis of pulp capping depends on the material used, the age of the patient, the topographical location of the exposure and, above all, the inflammatory status of the pulp. Clinical evaluation of the inflammatory status of the pulp has proven to be the main limiting constraint to systematisation of this procedure. To mitigate this difficulty, in coming years, chamber pulpotomy could be considered as an alternative therapeutic option to endodontic treatment. Clinical implications: The objective of this article is to review the knowledge required for optimisation of therapeutics for pulp vitality conservation and to detail the factors that influence the prognosis. Keywords: pulp capping, pulp chamber pulpotomy, pulp vitality