If the pulp of a newly erupted permanent tooth has been exposed, which procedure is indicated to promote healing of the pulp?

• A. Indirect pulp cap
• B. Direct pulp cap with calcium hydroxide
• C. Pulpotomy
• D. Root canal therapy

Answer: (B)

Direct pulp cap with calcium hydroxide is the treatment of choice when a newly erupted permanent tooth has a small, clean pulp exposure and the tooth is still vital. The goal is to preserve pulp vitality so the tooth can continue to develop, especially since the root apex may still be forming. Placing calcium hydroxide directly on the exposed pulp encourages the pulp to form reparative dentin (a dentin bridge) and creates a sealed, alkaline environment that helps healing and protects against infection.

If there were no exposure, an indirect pulp cap would be considered, but that applies to deep caries without actual exposure. A pulpotomy removes the coronal pulp tissue and is used in different scenarios where the coronal pulp is inflamed but the radicular pulp remains healthy; it’s not the preferred approach for a small, clean exposure in a vital tooth. Root canal therapy is for nonvital or severely inflamed pulp, which isn’t the situation here.