Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary objective of pulp capping is to preserve the vitality of the entire pulp, which includes both the coronal and radicular portions. When a tooth has been exposed to trauma, caries, or other factors that threaten the health of the pulp, pulp capping procedures are employed to protect the pulp from further injury and to maintain its health.

This is particularly crucial because the pulp's health is vital for the long-term survival of the tooth. If only the coronal pulp or radicular pulp were addressed without considering the entire pulp system, the remaining parts could still succumb to necrosis or infection, leading to treatments like root canal therapy, which are more invasive and less favorable than preserving pulp vitality through capping.

While preserving the vitality of coronal pulp is important, it is not sufficient if the rest of the pulp, especially the radicular portion, is compromised. Thus, the focus on the entire pulp ensures comprehensive treatment and the best chance for dental restoration and functionality.