What is done in an attempt to save a pulp in cases where a root canal may not be necessary?

Direct pulp capping is a procedure performed when a dental pulp is exposed but still healthy enough to potentially be preserved. In this technique, a medicated dressing is applied directly onto the exposed pulp to promote healing and protect against bacteria, allowing the pulp to continue functioning normally. This treatment is typically indicated in situations where an immediate root canal treatment is not necessary, such as when the exposure is minimal and the pulp is not infected.

While extraction may be a solution for damaged teeth, it is not aimed at saving the pulp. Pulpotomy involves the removal of the coronal portion of the pulp while retaining the healthy root pulp, and is usually performed as part of a root canal treatment. Non-surgical endodontics generally refers to various endodontic techniques that do not involve surgery, but more invasive options may be considered if less aggressive treatments fail. Thus, direct pulp capping is the most appropriate approach when the goal is to preserve the pulp without resorting to more invasive procedures.