What will be the line of treatment, if coronal pulp dies?
**Core Concept**
The coronal pulp is the soft, highly vascularized tissue within the crown of a tooth that contains the dentinal tubules and odontoblasts. If the coronal pulp dies due to necrosis, the primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the source of infection and promote healing while preserving the tooth.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
If the coronal pulp dies, the treatment of choice is to perform a **pulpotomy**. A pulpotomy involves removing the coronal portion of the pulp, which is usually necrotic, while preserving the vital portion of the pulp in the root canal. This procedure helps to eliminate the source of infection and prevent further necrosis. The goal of pulpotomy is to maintain the vitality of the remaining pulp tissue, which is essential for the continued health and survival of the tooth.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** A **root canal** is typically performed when the entire pulp, including both the coronal and radicular portions, is necrotic. This option is incorrect because pulpotomy is not indicated when the entire pulp is dead.
**Option B:** **Pulp capping** is a procedure used to treat asymptomatic carious exposures or small defects in the coronal pulp. This option is incorrect because pulpotomy is required when the coronal pulp is extensively necrotic.
**Option C:** **Tooth extraction** is a last resort when the tooth is severely damaged or non-restorable. This option is incorrect because pulpotomy is a viable treatment option for dead coronal pulp, and extraction should be avoided whenever possible.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that the success of a pulpotomy depends on the extent of pulp necrosis, the presence of infection, and the patient's overall health. A thorough clinical and radiographic examination is necessary to determine the best course of treatment.
**Correct Answer: C. Pulpotomy.**