Which statement correctly contrasts direct pulp capping and indirect pulp capping?

• A. Direct pulp capping places a medicament near a near-exposed pulp to stimulate dentin formation; indirect pulp capping covers the exposed pulp with material.
• B. Indirect pulp capping places a protective material directly over an exposed pulp; direct pulp capping places a medicament near close to the pulp.
• C. Direct pulp capping places a protective material directly over an exposed pulp; indirect pulp capping places a medicament near a near-exposed pulp to stimulate dentin formation.
• D. Both procedures place material on the tooth surface without affecting the pulp

Answer: (C)

Direct pulp capping is used when the pulp has been exposed or is nearly exposed, and a medicament or protective dressing is placed directly on the exposed pulp to encourage healing and dentin bridge formation, aiming to keep the pulp vital. Indirect pulp capping is used when caries approaches the pulp but there is no exposure; the medicament and protective material are applied over the remaining dentin near the pulp to stimulate reparative dentin and preserve pulp vitality without exposing it. The statement that correctly contrasts the two reflects this distinction: direct placement of material on the exposed pulp versus indirect placement over dentin to induce dentin formation.