An Update on Vital Pulp Therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground Vital pulp therapy has been the treatment option of choice for teeth with immature apices and healthy, exposed pulps. While calcium hydroxide has been the standard material for these procedures, development of calcium silicate cements has allowed for improved pulpal responses. Pulpal tissues previously thought to be irreversibly inflamed have a proven capacity to heal if the microorganisms are eliminated, even in mature permanent teeth. In 2021, the American Association of Endodontists released a position statement highlighting these changes.Practical Implications This review article proposes a protocol for assessment and conservative treatment of vital pulps based on current evidence.

Keywords

• Calcium silicate cement
• direct pulp capping, endodontics
• pulpitis
• pulpotomy
• vital pulp therapy