Skip to main content

No clear separation

Print this page

Radiograph with no clear separation between carious lesion and the dental pulp

Description: The radiograph shows a carious lesion that extends into the inner third of dentine and there is no clear band of normal looking dentine visible that separates the carious lesion and the dental pulp. 

Photograph and radiograph showing a carious tooth with no clear separation between lesion and pulp

Photograph (left) and radiograph (right) showing a carious lesion in a primary tooth with no clear separation between the lesion and the pulp.

Aim: To avoid pain and infection.

Where there are no signs or symptoms of pulpal pathology and a degree of uncertainty around separation between the lesion and the pulp, consider sealing using the Hall Technique.

  • There should be discussion with the parent/carer around the uncertain prognosis for the tooth.

Alternatively, or when there are signs and symptoms of pulpal pathology, carry out a pulpotomy or extraction (see Pulpotomy for primary teeth and Extraction).