Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In cases where a cavity is very deep and close to the pulp, pulp capping is the most appropriate restoration option. This procedure is utilized specifically to protect the dental pulp when it is at risk of exposure due to decay or cavity preparation.

Pulp capping involves placing a material over the exposed or nearly exposed pulp in order to promote healing and maintain the vitality of the pulp. The material used for pulp capping is typically biocompatible and promotes the formation of reparative dentin, thereby offering a protective barrier against bacterial infection and allowing the tooth to remain functional.

In contrast, while composite resin and glass ionomer are commonly used materials for dental restorations, their properties make them less suitable for very deep cavities where pulp exposure is a concern. These materials do not have the same capability to directly interact with the pulp or promote healing. Amalgam, being a durable restorative material, also does not provide the necessary interaction and support for the pulp in deep cavities.

Thus, the utilization of pulp capping in cases of deep carious lesions is vital to maintaining tooth health and preserving the dental pulp.