Odonto

Irlan de Almeida Freires1
Yuri Wanderley Cavalcanti1

Dentin-pulp complex protection: indications, techniques and materials for a good clinical performance

|Proteção do complexo dentinopulpar: indicações, técnicas e materiais para uma boa prática clínica

ABSTRACT|Introduction: dentin and pulp tissue have been characterized more appropriately as an integrated structure, named dentin-pulp complex. Before aggressions, such as caries and dental traumatisms, therapeutic approaches aiming to protect such tissues become necessary.
Objective: to review the literature related to the dentin-pulp complex, focusing on indications, techniques and material, topics essentially important to achieve a good clinical performance. Studies were searched in primary databases (Medline, Scielo, LILACS,
BBO) for the period 1985-2011, and in books and theses. The search strategy was divided into three parts: dentin-pulp complex physiology, techniques for pulp protection, and material employed, by using appropriate key-words. Discussion: pulp protection may occur through several strategies (capping, curettage or pulpotomy) so that a treatment plan must be based on patient’s biotype, on the defect to be restored, injury to the pulp and on the material and techniques to be employed.
Glass ionomer cement, calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate are protective material which have been gaining significant importance due to the different clinical contexts they may be used, as direct protective material or lining agents in definitive fillings. Final considerations: the use of different products to protect dentin-pulp complex depends on remaining dentin thickness, material’s mechanical and biological properties, and on the technique used to place definitive fillings.
Thus, dental professionals are supposed to analyze critically each case and have a proper decision-making based on scientific evidence.

RESUMO| Introdução: Dentina e tecido