Indirect Pulp Capping

It may be used for deep caries when the decay reaches the inner dentine but a dentine barrier remains between the lesion and the pulp. The pulp-status diagnosis guides the vital pulp therapy choice.

The procedure manages deep caries while a dentine barrier remains between the decay and pulp. Clinical signs, symptoms and appropriate pulp tests establish whether that protective approach is suitable.

The cited vital pulp therapies had success results between 91 and 97 percent, with the recommendations carrying conditional strength and low or moderate certainty in the relevant comparisons.

The outcome comparisons report follow-up at 24 and 36 months. These time points show when success was measured, not a guaranteed lifespan for one treated tooth or restoration.

Pulp status is established with clinical findings and, where appropriate, cold or electric testing and radiographs. Deep caries is managed while the remaining dentine barrier protects the pulp.

Follow-up evidence for vital pulp therapy includes 24-month and 36-month results. The comparison found no statistically significant difference in success among the listed permanent-tooth therapies in the cited question. The reported success range across the therapies is 91 to 97 percent.

The alternatives named in the guidance are direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy and full pulpotomy, alongside indirect pulp treatment.

The choice rests on the depth of caries, the dentine barrier and the pulp diagnosis. The treatment family is designed to preserve vital pulp tissue when the diagnostic conditions fit. Direct capping, indirect treatment and partial or full pulpotomy are the named vital pulp options for comparison. Each option is assessed against the same aim of retaining vital pulp tissue.

Indirect pulp capping is a clinical restorative procedure, so a treatment quote relates to caries management, pulp assessment and the restoration that seals the remaining dentine barrier.