Preserving pulp vitality: part one - strategies for managing deep caries in permanent teeth.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review without systematic search or primary empirical data
PubMed 33483661 · doi:10.1038/s41415-020-2590-7
What was done
This paper is the first part of a narrative review series synthesizing existing literature on clinical strategies for managing deep caries in permanent teeth, focusing on conservative interventions to preserve pulp vitality.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data. It notes qualitatively that selective caries removal to avoid pulp exposure, used alongside calcium silicate cements, can successfully maintain pulp vitality, delay the restorative cycle, and extend tooth lifespan.
Why it matters
It highlights an ongoing paradigm shift in operative dentistry toward conservative, selective caries removal rather than non-selective excavation to prevent unnecessary pulp exposure.
Limits
This is a narrative review with no primary patient data, systematic search methodology, or quantitative outcomes reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Repeated replacement of dental fillings increases pulpal irritation and the risk of tooth death.