Pulp Capping Materials — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Calcium hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide is the correct answer. It is a long-established direct pulp-capping material that can support formation of a mineralised reparative barrier. Current UK guidance preferentially recommends a hydraulic calcium silicate cement, such as MTA or Biodentine, because these materials provide more predictable outcomes; however, calcium hydroxide remains suitable when an appropriate calcium silicate cement is unavailable. If used, it should be protected with glass ionomer or resin-modified glass ionomer cement. Glass ionomer is therefore an overlying seal rather than the material placed directly on exposed pulp. Zinc oxide-eugenol is unsuitable for direct pulp contact, while zinc phosphate and polycarboxylate are principally luting or base cements and do not provide the required biological pulp-capping effect.
Reference: British Endodontic Society. A Guide to Good Endodontic Practice, Chapter 5, section 2: Direct pulp capping. First edition, September 2022. https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/-/media/FDS/The-British-Endodontic-Society-guide-to-Good-Endodontic-Practice.pdf