Management of deep carious lesion with single visit indirect pulp capping: A case report

Abstract

Background: Preservation of pulp vitality is of utmost importance during management of deep caries cases. There remains a possibility of pulp tissue to repair upon excavation of caries with no pulpal exposure. However, in case of exposure of pulp, such type of minimally invasive management becomes doubtful & impulsive. Indirect pulp capping(IPC) treatment plays an essential role in these cases to prevent pulpal exposure. Case Presentation: This case report describes the single visit indirect pulp therapy in mandibular molar. Patient reported with a chief complaint of food lodgement and mild intermittent pain. There was no history of night pain and/or spontaneous pain. The clinical and radiological evaluation revealed no peri-radicular pathosis and no pulpal involvement. The tooth was examined for vitality using electric pulp test and revealed vital pulp. The treatment was done with the protocol of Single Visit Indirect Pulp therapy using light cure calcium hydroxide and cavity was disinfected with 2% chlorhexidine. Cavity was lined with Glass Ionomer Cement and final restoration was done using Composite resin restoration. The patient was followed up till 6 months and showed satisfactory outcome eliminating the need for more invasive approach as root canal therapy. Conclusion: Indirect pulp therapy is a safe, economical and proven treatment option in the teeth that have not involved pulp and with sound peri-radicular tissues. The success of Indirect Pulp Capping relies on proper case selection and diagnosis, complete isolation, caries removal and disinfection with selection of suitable pulp capping material.