Which statement best describes indirect pulp therapy (IPT) versus direct pulp capping (DPC) in primary teeth?

• A. IPT is used when there is a small pulp exposure with a healthy pulp; DPC used for deep caries
• B. IPT is used when caries is deep but pulp exposure avoided to preserve vitality; DPC used when there is a small pulp exposure with a healthy pulp; IPT has robust long-term vitality outcomes; DPC success depends on proper case selection
• C. IPT yields poor vitality versus DPC
• D. IPT cannot be used in primary teeth

Answer: (B)

Indirect pulp therapy and direct pulp capping are both pulp-preserving approaches used in primary teeth facing deep caries. Indirect pulp therapy is chosen when the caries is deep but a pulp exposure can be avoided; the dentist removes carious dentin as close as possible to the pulp, then seals it so that bacteria are blocked and the dentin can remineralize, helping keep the pulp vital. Direct pulp capping is used when there is a small pulp exposure with the pulp being healthy or minimally inflamed; a protective material is placed directly over the exposure to encourage dentin bridge formation and maintain vitality.

In practice, indirect pulp therapy tends to provide robust long-term vitality outcomes because the pulp is kept sealed away from bacteria. Direct pulp capping outcomes, on the other hand, depend heavily on case selection—pulp health, the size and cleanliness of the exposure, and a clean technique all influence success. So the statement that best matches these points is: use indirect pulp therapy for deep caries without exposure to preserve vitality; use direct pulp capping for a small pulp exposure with a healthy pulp; indirect therapy offers strong long-term vitality, while direct pulp capping success hinges on appropriate case selection.