Preserving the Vital Pulp in Operative Dentistry: 3. Thickness of Remaining Cavity Dentine as a Key Mediator of Pulpal Injury and Repair Responses

From Volume 29, Issue 4, May 2002 | Pages 172-178

Authors

Peter E. Murray

BSc, PhD

Research Fellow in Oral Biology, University of Birmingham

Articles by Peter E. Murray

Philip J Lumley

PhD, BDS, MDentSci, FDS RCPS

Senior lecturer in Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham

Articles by Philip J Lumley

Anthony J. Smith

BSc, PhD

Professor of Oral Biology, Peter E. Murray, BSc, PhD, Research Fellow in Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham

Articles by Anthony J. Smith

Abstract

Confusion surrounds the pivotal role played by the remaining dentine thickness in a cavity in determining pulpal injury and repair response outcomes after restorative treatment. The multifactorial nature of the injury repair response requires that attention is focused on the most important factors, including remaining dentine thickness, to harness the natural regenerative properties of the pulp and to avoid postoperative treatment complications.

Article