[Success of direct pulp capping after caries excavations]

Direct pulp capping is not generally accepted as a routine dental procedure. It is claimed to be an unpredictable procedure with a low success rate. However, some clinical studies do show success of direct pulp cappings. The aim of this study was to make an inventory of the success rate of direct pulp cappings performed by dental students, and of the variables which influenced the outcome. The success rate for the first 18 months after treatment was 73.8%. Only the variable 'type of tooth' showed a statistical significant correlation: front teeth showed a higher percentage of success than premolars and molars.