Which material is indicated for traumatic exposures to pulp that are less than 2 mm and occurred within 24 hours?

Which material is indicated for traumatic exposures to pulp that are less than 2 mm and occurred within 24 hours?

• A. Chlorhexidine
• B. Calcium hydroxide
• C. Formocresol
• D. MTA

Answer: (C)

When a traumatic pulp exposure is small (less than 2 mm) and the injury is recent (within 24 hours), the treatment goal is to manage the pulp in a way that preserves vitality of the remaining tissue while removing the damaged coronal portion. In this scenario, a pulpotomy using a fixative agent like formocresol has historically been used. The fixative seals and devitalizes the exposed coronal pulp, helping to control inflammation and prevent progression into the radicular pulp, which supports continued life of the tooth, especially in primary dentition. The small exposure and short time since injury suggest the radicular pulp may still be viable enough to be preserved with this approach. Chlorhexidine is mainly an antiseptic and does not provide the necessary pulpal fixation or tissue-regenerative effect. Calcium hydroxide and MTA are excellent choices for direct pulp capping or certain direct pulp exposures, particularly when attempting to encourage a dentin bridge, but the scenario describes a traumatic exposure managed most traditionally with a pulpotomy using a fixative agent.

When a traumatic pulp exposure is small (less than 2 mm) and the injury is recent (within 24 hours), the treatment goal is to manage the pulp in a way that preserves vitality of the remaining tissue while removing the damaged coronal portion. In this scenario, a pulpotomy using a fixative agent like formocresol has historically been used. The fixative seals and devitalizes the exposed coronal pulp, helping to control inflammation and prevent progression into the radicular pulp, which supports continued life of the tooth, especially in primary dentition. The small exposure and short time since injury suggest the radicular pulp may still be viable enough to be preserved with this approach.

Chlorhexidine is mainly an antiseptic and does not provide the necessary pulpal fixation or tissue-regenerative effect. Calcium hydroxide and MTA are excellent choices for direct pulp capping or certain direct pulp exposures, particularly when attempting to encourage a dentin bridge, but the scenario describes a traumatic exposure managed most traditionally with a pulpotomy using a fixative agent.