Current Trends in Vital Pulp Therapy

Vital pulp therapy (VPT) has emerged as a biologically driven, minimally invasive approach in modern endodontics for managing pulpal diseases. Traditionally, irreversible pulpitis was treated with root canal therapy (RCT), involving complete pulp removal. However, advances in pulp biology, improved diagnostic methods, and the development of bioactive materials have expanded the indications of VPT to cases once considered unsuitable for conservative treatment.The dentine-pulp complex possesses inherent regenerative potential, supported by odontoblasts, fibroblasts, and dental pulp stem cells that contribute to repair and dentin formation. Procedures such as indirect and direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy, and full pulpotomy aim to preserve pulp vitality by eliminating infection and promoting healing. Their success relies on accurate diagnosis, effective hemorrhage control, and the use of bioactive materials like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine.Recent innovations, including enamel matrix derivatives, laser-assisted therapies, and regenerative strategies, have improved clinical outcomes.