Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

The preferred treatment for an 8-year-old with a maxillary permanent central incisor fracture exposing 2mm of pulp involves the careful management of the exposed pulp to promote healing and maintain the vitality of the tooth. In this particular situation, removing the surface 1-2 mm of pulp tissue and placing calcium hydroxide is considered appropriate because calcium hydroxide acts as a vital pulp therapy agent, helping to promote the formation of a reparative dentin layer over the exposed pulp.

This treatment option is aimed at preserving the vitality of the pulp while minimizing the risk of further pulp damage or infection. By carefully removing the injured or inflamed pulp tissue, clinicians can reduce potential sources of infection and inflammation, creating a healthier environment for healing. The application of calcium hydroxide afterward helps to create an alkaline environment, which is conducive to pulp healing and can also provide some antimicrobial effects.

In contrast, placing calcium hydroxide directly on the exposed pulp without debridement may not adequately address the potential presence of unhealthy pulp tissue, increasing the risk of complications. A pulpotomy using formocresol or performing a pulpectomy would be more radical approaches, typically reserved for more severe cases of pulp exposure or infection, where preserving the tooth’s vitality is