Placement of cast restorations over direct pulp capping procedures: a decision analytic approach.

A review of the literature shows a significant amount of controversy regarding the success of pulp capping procedures, with the average clinically evaluated pulp capping success being 81%, and 75% when evaluated histologically. This study evaluated the costs and benefits of a pulp cap versus endodontic therapy for a tooth that is to receive a cast restoration, and determined what level of success is needed for pulp capping to be the preferred treatment.