Direct pulp capping aims to preserve pulp vitality in which scenario?

• A. To remove all pulp tissue.
• B. To seal a root canal.
• C. To preserve pulp vitality after a small exposure caused by caries or procedure, using calcium hydroxide, MTA, or Biodentine as a capping agent.
• D. To extract the tooth if pain.

Answer: (C)

Direct pulp capping is a conservative approach aimed at keeping the pulp alive after a small exposure by placing a protective, biocompatible material on the exposed pulp to encourage healing and the formation of a dentin bridge. When a tiny exposure occurs due to caries or a procedural accident and the pulp is suspected to be healthy or only reversibly inflamed, sealing it with a capping agent helps the pulp recover instead of removing tissue. Materials like calcium hydroxide, MTA, or Biodentine are chosen because they are bioactive, provide a good seal, and promote hard tissue formation, supporting long-term vitality of the pulp. The other options describe treatments that remove pulp tissue, seal or treat a canal after pulp removal, or extract the tooth, which do not aim to preserve pulp vitality in this scenario.