Minimal Intervention in Dentistry: A Literature Review on Biodentine as a Bioactive Pulp Capping Material

Abstract

Root canal treatment has been the treatment of choice for carious pulp exposures. In the perspective of minimally invasive dentistry and preventive endodontics, a direct pulp capping procedure with a reliable bioactive material may be considered an alternative approach provided that the pulp status is favorable. However, the treatment of pulp exposure by pulp capping is still a controversial issue with no clear literature available on this topic, leaving the concerned practitioner more confused than satisfied. Biodentine is a relatively new bioactive material explored for vital pulp therapy procedures. This article discusses its role in direct pulp capping procedures. A thorough literature search of the database was done using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using the keywords preventive endodontics, calcium silicate cement, direct pulp capping, Biodentine, and vital pulp therapy. Reference mining of the articles that were identified was used to locate other papers and enrich the findings. No limits were imposed on the year of publication, but only articles in English were considered. This paper is aimed at reviewing the current literature on Biodentine as a direct pulp capping material. The review will provide a better understanding of Biodentine’s properties and can aid in the decision-making process for maintaining the vitality of exposed dental pulp with minimal intervention.