Saving pulps - a biological basis

AIM: Cavity preparation and restoration variables have an uncertain relationship to pulp injury and repair responses. The purpose of this paper is to determine the importance of cavity preparation and restoration variables, by ranking them according to their effect on pulp injury (odontoblast survival) and pulp repair (reactionary dentine secretion). METHOD: The seven studies reviewed are all based on the protocols described by Murray, Smith and colleagues in 2000 and 2001. RESULTS: The studies reviewed provide new perspectives on the importance of cavity preparation and restoration variables in mediating pulp activity. CONCLUSIONS: The onset of post-operative complications may be most productively minimised by focusing practitioner attention to aspects of treatment highlighted in this review.