Novelties in pulp capping materials

Introduction: Therapeutic approaches that emphasize preserving pulp are essential for maintaining vital teeth with exposed pulp and deep cavities. However, indirect and direct pulp capping methods reportedly have been used for more than a century, so these vital pulp therapies (VPTs) are not new. The vitality of the dental pulp greatly influences the longevity of permanent teeth. Since it has been demonstrated that the inflamed pulp can heal, vital pulp therapy, or VPT, has received a lot of interest in recent years. The concept of an exposed pulp organ, once considered a dire situation, has undergone a remarkable transformation. It has transitioned from being perceived as 'doomed' to one of hope and healing. This shift in perception has been facilitated by the development of various pulp capping materials, marking a new era in vital pulp treatment. Aim: This paper aimed to provide an overview and discussion of the various, more recent pulp capping materials utilized to protect the dentin-pulp complex. Conclusion: When pulpal pathosis is accurately diagnosed, teeth can be preserved with appropriate treatment using suitable dental materials. Effective pulp capping and vital pulp therapy rely on the clinician's ability, material selection, and proper case selection. The advancement of pulp preservation has proven beneficial for patients and clinicians due to an increased understanding of technological developments, the biology of dental caries, and better restorative materials.