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Endodontics · single question

Which of the following best reflects current best-practice steps for an indirect pulp cap?

  1. Selectively remove caries while intentionally leaving a thin layer of affected dentin near the pulp, place a pulp-protective capping material (traditionally calcium hydroxide, now often MTA or a bioceramic material), then place a base/liner and complete the final restoration
  2. Etch and rinse the entire preparation, then bond directly with no protective base
  3. Place a liner and etching agent directly over an actual pulp exposure with no further protective material
  4. No capping material is needed if the cavity is deep
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Correct answer: A. Selectively remove caries while intentionally leaving a thin layer of affected dentin near the pulp, place a pulp-protective capping material (traditionally calcium hydroxide, now often MTA or a bioceramic material), then place a base/liner and complete the final restoration

Indirect pulp capping is performed when caries removal is intentionally incomplete near the pulp to avoid an actual exposure; the protective capping material (historically calcium hydroxide, with MTA/bioceramic materials increasingly favored in modern practice for superior sealing and predictability) is placed directly over that area, followed by an appropriate base/liner and final restoration.

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