Direct pulp therapy for young permanent molars

Young permanent teeth have immature pulps and incomplete root formation. In the event of a small mechanical or traumatic exposure, the direct application of Ca(OH)2 on the nonbleeding pulp has proven to be very successful in young immature teeth. Some studies have shown that the control of pulpal bleeding plays a significant role in the success of the pulpotomy treatment. Direct pulp therapy (DPT) in teeth with deep carious lesions involves the removal of the carious insult as well as the most superficial pulp which may be characterized by inflammation and bacterial invasion. Placement of Ca(OH)2 or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) promotes the formation of a dentinal bridge between the pulp and the material. Lower amounts of iron are present in white MTA compared to the gray MTA.