Following trauma, when a previously sound, asymptomatic tooth suffers a coronal fracture involving the pulp, it is widely accepted that the direct pulp cap is the treatment of choice, providing the exposure is small and is treated within 24 hours.1, 2, 3 In this situation the depth of damage to the pulp tissue is small and the relatively healthy pulp tissue has considerable reparative potential, particularly in young teeth with immature apices and a good blood supply. However, the caries process can lead to marked changes within the pulp-dentine complex, which can vary considerably depending on the severity of the disease and the age of the pulp. Where deep dentine lesions are concerned it is currently taught that the peripheral aspect of the cavity should be rendered completely caries free. This should be followed by careful excavation of caries at the base of the cavity, overlying the pulp until hard, stained dentine is reached,4 thus gradually reducing the bacterial load within the cavity. If at final excavation the pulp is exposed, the possibility of a direct pulp cap can be evaluated.