A review on vital pulp therapy in primary teeth

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Biomaterials
• Pulp Biology

Background:

• Maintaining deciduous teeth is crucial for proper oral development and function.
• Vital pulp therapy (VPT) offers a method to preserve the vitality of injured deciduous teeth.
• Early diagnosis and preservation of pulp vitality are key factors for successful VPT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review new concepts in preserving healthy pulp tissue in deciduous teeth.
• To discuss the induction of reparative dentin formation using novel biomaterials.
• To explore alternatives to devitalization for cariously involved deciduous teeth.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on vital pulp therapy in deciduous dentition.
• Analysis of new biomaterials and their application in indirect pulp capping and direct pulp capping.
• Discussion of diagnostic criteria for pulp and periradicular status.

Main Results:

• Advancements in biomaterials enhance biocompatibility and sealing properties for VPT.
• Indirect pulp capping is preferred for reversible pulpitis, while irreversible pulpitis may require pulp tissue removal.
• New approaches focus on preserving vital pulp tissue and stimulating dentin repair.

Conclusions:

• Novel biomaterials are revolutionizing deciduous vital pulp therapy.
• Preserving pulp vitality and inducing reparative dentin are achievable goals.
• VPT strategies are shifting from devitalization towards tissue preservation and regeneration.