Intentional pulp capping: a clinical perspective of the adhesive experience

A new standard of biocompatibility has evolved for dental tissues. This paper attempts to trace the extraordinary transformation of composite resin from dissident to healer. Intentional pulp capping is a logical progression of the adhesive era given the fact that current enamel-dentin bonding systems are biologically acceptable and potentially provide a gap-free therapeutic seal at the restorative interface. The probationary status of the adhesive pulp capping procedure is acknowledged; nevertheless, it is abundantly clear that there is a place for this treatment modality in clinical practice.

The objective of the accompanying pictorial essay is to give a clinical perspective of the author's experience with intentional pulp capping over the past seven years. The focus of this paper is the detailed examination of the clinical variables which influence the quality of the "seal" surrounding the exposed pulpal tissues.