Pulp (tooth)

The dental pulp is the soft, living tissue found inside teeth. It occupies the pulp cavity, which extends from the crown of the tooth to the root tips. The pulp is primarily composed of connective tissue, including cells, blood vessels, and nerves.

Function:

The dental pulp performs several crucial functions:

• Formation: The pulp is responsible for the initial formation of dentin, the hard tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth.
• Nutrition: The pulp's blood vessels provide nutrients to the dentin, keeping it hydrated and healthy.
• Sensation: The nerve fibers within the pulp transmit sensory information, allowing us to feel temperature changes, pressure, and pain.
• Defense: The pulp can initiate an inflammatory response to protect the tooth from injury or infection.
• Repair: The pulp contains cells that can repair damaged dentin to a limited extent.

Structure:

The pulp is divided into two main parts:

• Coronal Pulp: Located in the crown of the tooth. It is larger and contains pulp horns, which extend into the cusps of the tooth.
• Radicular Pulp: Located in the root of the tooth. It is narrower and tapers towards the apex of the root, where it connects with the periodontal tissues through the apical foramen.

Clinical Significance:

The pulp is susceptible to damage from various factors, including dental decay, trauma, and excessive heat or cold. Inflammation of the pulp, known as pulpitis, can cause severe pain and may require root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp. Preservation of pulp vitality is often a primary goal in dental treatment. If the pulp dies (necrosis), the tooth becomes non-vital and more brittle.