Pulp Capping - City Clinic Marbella

Odontología▸Endodoncia

Pulp Capping

Pulp capping is a conservative dental procedure aimed at protecting and preserving the vitality of the tooth’s pulp when it is exposed (or nearly exposed) due to decay or mechanical trauma. Instead of removing the pulp entirely, a medicated dressing is placed directly or indirectly over it, promoting healing and avoiding a root canal.

Doctors & Specialists:

Dr.Álvaro Díaz de Alda
Said Ramazani

When decay or damage approaches the pulp chamber, complete removal of all infected tissue risks exposing the pulp. Pulp capping acts as a barrier, isolating the pulp from bacterial invasion and allowing reparative dentin formation. There are two primary types: direct pulp capping (when the pulp is exposed) and indirect pulp capping (when a thin layer of dentin remains over the pulp). The success of this approach depends on a clean environment, precise technique, and high-quality sealing.

Indications

Minimal pulp exposure due to decay or trauma

Tooth shows reversible pulpitis

No signs of infection or periapical pathology

Healthy surrounding tooth structure for proper sealing

Desire to preserve tooth vitality and avoid root canal

Causes

Deep decay close to the pulp

Accidental pulp exposure during cavity preparation

Secondary decay beneath existing fillings

Tooth wear or damage exposing deeper layers

Treatment Details

Procedure Steps

1

Diagnosis & Preparation – Clinical exam and imaging to assess pulp health; local anesthesia and isolation of the tooth.

2

Pulp Protection – Careful decay removal and placement of medicated material (e.g., calcium hydroxide or MTA) over the exposed pulp.

3

Sealing & Restoration – Protective liner and final filling to ensure airtight seal; follow-up checks to confirm vitality.

Duration:

Approximately 30–60 minutes

Number of Sessions:

Usually one, unless observation or reassessment is needed

Recovery / Downtime:

Very minimal; you can resume normal activities immediately

Pain Level:

Minimal — patients may feel slight sensitivity which subsides shortly

Pre-Treatment:

Inform your dentist of any tooth sensitivities or symptoms
Avoid heavy chewing on the tooth prior to treatment
Maintain good oral hygiene

Post-Treatment:

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a short time until seal is stable
Use soft foods if sensitivity lingers
Practice gentle brushing and flossing
Attend follow-ups to evaluate pulp health and confirm success

Results

Expected Outcome

Immediately, the pulp is protected from further irritants and the tooth is sealed. Over time, a reparative dentin bridge forms, strengthening the pulp barrier and preserving tooth vitality.

How Long
Results Last? 

When successful, the pulp can remain vital indefinitely. Long-term success depends on excellent sealing and absence of infection.

Risks & Considerations

Possible Side Effects 

• Mild sensitivity for a few days • Occasional failure if bacterial contamination occurs • Risk of pulp inflammation or necrosis requiring root canal

Contraindications (who should avoid it)

• Irreversible pulpitis or symptomatic pulp disease
• Pulp exposures larger than a few millimeters
• Untreated periapical infection
• Poor restorative seal or inability to isolate the field

Safety Notes

At City Clinic, pulp capping is performed with magnification, strict asepsis, and high-quality biocompatible materials. Only well-selected cases are treated this way to ensure high success rates

Pricing

Price Range (approximate)

Factors Affecting Price

• Depth and size of exposure
• Type of capping material used (e.g. calcium hydroxide, MTA)
• Complexity of final restoration

Insurance Coverage

Pulp Capping is not covered by insurance.

FAQs

Is pulp capping painful?

No — the procedure is done under anesthesia, and any post-treatment sensitivity is mild and temporary.

How long does the visit take?

About 30 to 60 minutes in most cases.

Will I always avoid a root canal?

In many cases yes, if conditions are ideal; but sometimes further treatment is needed if pulp fails.

Can this be done on any tooth?

It’s more suitable for teeth with minimal exposure and no signs of deep infection.

Is the treatment permanent?

Yes, if healing is successful and the seal remains intact; otherwise follow-up treatment may be necessary.

Related Treatments

Root Canal

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp (the inner soft tissue) from a tooth’s root canals, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the internal spaces, then seals and restores the tooth to preserve its function and prevent further infection.

Retreatment

Retreatment is a secondary endodontic procedure performed on a tooth that has already undergone root canal therapy but has developed new symptoms or failed to heal properly. At City Clinic, retreatment offers a second chance to resolve persistent infection and salvage the natural tooth.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a restorative procedure used to repair teeth damaged by decay, wear, or minor fractures. At City Clinic, we use advanced, tooth-colored composite materials that blend seamlessly with your natural enamel — restoring strength, function, and aesthetics with minimal invasiveness.

Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy (also known as root-end surgery) is a minor surgical procedure that removes the tip (apex) of a tooth’s root and any infected tissue around it, sealing the root end to preserve the tooth.