E-6 Vital pulp therapy: When and How Should We Do It? Options for Treating Mature Permanent Teeth in Adults

CE Hours: 1.25

Description: Vital pulp therapy (VPT) plays a crucial role in managing mature permanent teeth with pulp exposure or inflammation, offering a less invasive alternative to root canal treatment. The decision on when and how to perform VPT depends on the degree of pulp involvement, the tooth's vitality, and clinical symptoms. Key VPT options include direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy, and full pulpotomy, each with specific indications based on the extent of pulpal inflammation. Recent advancements in biomaterials, mineral trioxide aggregate and other bioceramic materials, have improved treatment outcomes by promoting pulp healing and reducing the risk of failure. Hence, these treatment modalities are emerging as promising treatments for maintaining tooth vitality. Proper case selection, strict asepsis, using biocompatible materials and good coronal seal are mandatory for success. This presentation reviews the current VPT options, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis, material selection, and individualized treatment planning to achieve optimal long-term outcomes in younger and adult patients.

Learning Objectives:  

• Describe the indications for vital pulp therapy (VPT) in treating mature permanent teeth in young patients and adults.
• Assess the role of infection control and a final restoration in successful vital pulp therapy procedures. 
• Examine the long-term outcomes and success rates of various vital pulp therapy procedures.