What may be a potential outcome of pulp capping in a mature tooth?

Pulp capping is a dental procedure intended to protect the dental pulp after it has been exposed due to caries or trauma and is aimed at encouraging healing of the pulp tissue. Understanding the potential outcomes of this procedure is crucial, especially in mature teeth where the roots and pulp are fully developed.

The correct option highlights that pulp capping can lead to various potential outcomes, including pulpalgia, internal resorption, and hypercalcification within root canals.

Pulpalgia refers to pain originating from the dental pulp, which can occur if the pulp becomes irritated or inflamed following the procedure. Although the goal of pulp capping is to preserve the pulp health, there’s a risk that the pulp may not respond successfully, leading to discomfort or pain.

Internal resorption is another possible outcome where the pulp tissue actually begins to resorb the surrounding tooth structure due to inflammatory responses. This can happen if the pulp becomes necrotic or severely inflamed, resulting in the destruction of tooth structure from within.

Hypercalcification within root canals involves the deposition of calcified material within the canal system, which can occur in response to attempts by the pulp to heal itself. This calcification can lead to complications if it excessive, potentially leading to difficulties in endodont