Vital Pulp Therapy: a Newer Perspective

Dental caries is one of the greatest challenges to the integrity of the developing tooth. It can irreversibly damage the pulp, cause its necrosis, and arrest the development of the tooth root. The treatment of cariously exposed pulp in mature permanent teeth has always been controversial. Root canal treatment should not be done just because pulpal exposure has occurred during caries excavation. Preserving the vitality of the tooth is very important. Recent advances in pulp biology and dental materials have provided alternative treatment strategies for healthy and partially inflamed pulps. The introduction of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and other bioceramic or calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs), along with advanced treatment strategies, has markedly changed the long-held concept that pulp capping after carious pulp exposure should be avoided. This book reviews the historical aspect of vital pulp therapy, briefly explains the treatment modalities involved, and describes in detail the newer techniques and materials while also throwing light on the upcoming materials which can be used in future approaches.