A procedure in which a nearly exposed pulp is covered.

A procedure in which a nearly exposed pulp is covered.

• A. Direct pulp cap
• B. Indirect pulp cap
• C. Pulpotomy
• D. Temporary filling

Answer: (B)

Indirect pulp cap is used when the pulp is nearly exposed by caries but not actually exposed. The dentist removes the infected dentin but leaves a thin layer of dentin over the pulp, then places a protective liner or base on that dentin and seals it with a final restoration. This approach protects the pulp and encourages reparative dentin formation, helping maintain pulp vitality. If the pulp were exposed, a direct pulp cap would be done instead, placing material directly on the pulp. A pulpotomy removes the coronal pulp tissue, and a temporary filling is simply a short-term restoration, not a pulp-protective procedure.

Indirect pulp cap is used when the pulp is nearly exposed by caries but not actually exposed. The dentist removes the infected dentin but leaves a thin layer of dentin over the pulp, then places a protective liner or base on that dentin and seals it with a final restoration. This approach protects the pulp and encourages reparative dentin formation, helping maintain pulp vitality. If the pulp were exposed, a direct pulp cap would be done instead, placing material directly on the pulp. A pulpotomy removes the coronal pulp tissue, and a temporary filling is simply a short-term restoration, not a pulp-protective procedure.