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Published on: January 12, 2017
The history of direct pulp capping
1Department of Operative Dentistry, Westphalian Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany. tillda@uni-muenster.de
Journal of the History of Dentistry
|June 27, 2008
Summary
Direct pulp capping has evolved significantly, with early empirical methods giving way to scientific investigation. Calcium hydroxide eventually emerged as the standard of care for treating exposed dental pulps.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomaterials
Background:
- The history of direct pulp capping spans over two centuries, evolving from empirical methods to evidence-based treatments.
- Early techniques involved irritating agents like gold foils, with a focus on stimulating healing through tissue irritation.
Observation:
- The understanding of pulp inflammation shifted from irritation to microbial causation, leading to the use of disinfecting agents that proved cytotoxic.
- Empirical treatments and inadequate diagnoses resulted in capping necrotic pulps, highlighting the need for scientific validation.
Findings:
- The first clinical study in 1921 indicated zinc oxide-eugenol as the most effective material.
- Hermann's research in the late 1920s demonstrated the biocompatibility of calcium hydroxide with vital pulp tissue.
Implications:
- Calcium hydroxide, initially used for root canal fillings, was proven effective and biocompatible for direct pulp capping.
- Despite early setbacks, calcium hydroxide became the established standard of care for direct pulp capping by the mid-20th century.
