What is considered the first line of treatment in pulpal therapy?

Pulpal therapy aims to preserve the vitality of the pulp and maintain the tooth's function. The first line of treatment in pulpal therapy is often the attempt to stimulate pulpal regeneration. This approach focuses on encouraging the body's natural healing mechanisms to repair the pulp tissue rather than resorting to more invasive methods.

In many cases, particularly in young patients or in teeth with a chance of regeneration, this method is preferable as it ideally leads to the maintenance of the tooth and its pulp vitality. It typically involves techniques such as using biologically compatible materials that promote the healing and regeneration of pulp tissue.

Choosing this option reflects an understanding of the priority in dental treatment of preserving natural tooth structure and health whenever possible. Other methods, like root canal treatment or pulp capping, might be subsequent steps if regeneration is not achievable. Extraction, while sometimes necessary, is generally a last-resort option. Thus, the emphasis on stimulating pulpal regeneration represents the most conservative and beneficial initial strategy in managing pulpal issues.