Direct Pulp Capping with adhesive resins and composite

Objectives: Direct pulp capping is traditionally performed with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) formulations.The purpose of this study is to describe our clinical experience about the utility of adhesive resins on direct pulp capping by defining clearer criteria for the selection of patients and the resulting long- term prognosis. Methods: Forty-eight human teeth were treated with conservative odontology for three years.All the patients included in this study revealed pulpal exposure during the removal of the caries. Teeth "without a history of previous pain" and pulpal exposure no larger than 1 mm 2 were included in this study. Teeth, regardless of the size of pulpal exposure "and with previous pain" were not included in the study and subsequently received endodontic treatment. The teeth which met the criteria were treated cupping the pulp directly by a self etch primer (Se bond Kuraray Japan) on dentin, while on the enamel margin a Phosphoric acid 37% in gel was applied. Disinfection of pulp exposures has been made with a we used 1% chlorhexidine.Recall appointments were made every 6 months to determine the success of the treatment. After those periods of time with no continuous pain or infection, the treatment was considered to be a success; otherwise, a failure. Results: After 36 months, a 62. 5 % success rate was found compared to a 37.5% failure rate following our criteria of selection and the exposed treatment technique. Conclusions: We have indicated two criteria for the selection of patients for whom a direct pulp capping could be made: the tooth should not have had a previous pain and the pulpal exposure must be no larger than 1 mm2. The level of pain and size of the pulp are not especially precise criteria but we justify their use because we think they have a clinical value.