Dental pulp

Dental pulp is the part of the tooth that resides in the center of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, which help the tooth grow and develop.

Anatomy

The dental pulp is located in the pulp cavity of the tooth. The pulp cavity is divided into two parts: the pulp chamber, which is located in the crown of the tooth, and the root canal, which is located in the root of the tooth. The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws.

Function

The primary function of the dental pulp is to form dentin, which is the hard tissue that surrounds the pulp. The pulp also provides nutrition to the tooth through the blood vessels and nerves it contains. In addition, the pulp has a sensory function, providing the sensation of pain in response to stimuli that can damage the tooth.

Pathology

Diseases of the dental pulp can lead to significant pain and loss of the tooth. The most common disease of the pulp is pulpitis, which is inflammation of the pulp. This can be caused by bacteria entering the pulp as a result of tooth decay, trauma, or other factors. If pulpitis is not treated, it can lead to abscess formation and loss of the tooth.

Treatment

Treatment of diseases of the dental pulp depends on the severity of the disease. In the early stages of pulpitis, treatment may involve removing the source of irritation and placing a filling. If the disease has progressed, root canal therapy may be necessary. This involves removing the diseased pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canal, and filling the canal with a material to prevent bacteria from re-entering.

See also

• Endodontics
• Tooth decay
• Root canal therapy