Pulp capping is an important measure and one with a high rate of use in daily dental practice, and when it is conscientiously performed, based on good diagnosis of the pulp condition at the time of its exposure, it may prevent the tooth from requiring endodontic intervention. In addition to calcium hydroxide, other materials have been tested with regard to their action in promoting pulp repair by the formation of a dentin bridge after direct pulp capping. Some of the feasible alternative materials for pulp capping are calcium phosphate-based ceramics, with hydroxyapatite (HAp) and tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) being outstanding. These materials do not promote formation of a necrotic area, characteristic of the use of calcium hydroxide, are biocompatible and favor pulp tissue repair. To evaluate the effects of these materials on pulp capping, this literature review was conducted, the approach being wide ranging in scope, from pulp response through to the protocol for clinical use.
hydroxyapatite; calcium hydroxide; direct pulp protection
