Procedures
Pulp cap
A pulp cap is a dressing placed over exposed or nearly exposed pulp to protect it. The goal is to keep the pulp healthy and the tooth alive.
A direct pulp cap is a procedure in which the exposed vital pulp is treated with a therapeutic material. A base and a restoration follow. The goal is to promote healing and maintain pulp vitality. This can happen when a deep cavity reaches the tooth pulp.
A pulp cap is a choice for a tooth that still has healthy pulp. If the pulp is badly damaged, a pulpotomy or root canal therapy may be needed instead. Your dentist decides based on an exam and x-rays. Our office describes dental fillings on its own page.