Pulp capping is a dental procedure that prevents the tooth pulp from being exposed during cavity preparation, hence preventing the need for a root canal procedure. Pulp capping can be divided into two categories: indirect pulp capping or direct pulp capping. For an indirect pulp cap, a carious lesion approaches the pulp tissue, but a pulp exposure does not occur. With a direct pulp cap, the pulpal tissue is exposed and a medicament is placed over the exposure.

The advantages of pulp capping include that it is less invasive and less costly compared to root canal treatment. However, some patients could still be needed root canal treatment later if they are not having good oral hygiene practices.