Pulp cavity

Pulp Cavity

The pulp cavity is the central part of the tooth, consisting of dental pulp. The pulp cavity is a complex structure with a system of canals and chambers that house the vascular, nervous, and connective tissues that keep the tooth vital and responsive to various stimuli.

Anatomy

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

Pulp Chamber

The pulp chamber is the larger, coronal (crown) portion of the pulp cavity. It is filled with loose connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The shape of the pulp chamber generally reflects the shape of the external tooth; in molars, it is more extensive due to the presence of multiple roots.

Root Canal

The root canal is the portion of the pulp cavity that extends from the pulp chamber to the apex (tip) of the tooth root. It is narrower than the pulp chamber and is filled with the same tissues. The number of root canals in a tooth varies depending on the type of tooth. For example, incisors and canines typically have one root canal, while premolars and molars can have two or more.

Function

The primary function of the pulp cavity is to nourish the tooth and keep it alive. The blood vessels deliver nutrients to the tooth, while the nerves provide sensation. The pulp cavity also plays a role in tooth development and repair, producing dentin – the hard tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth.

Clinical Significance

Damage or infection of the pulp cavity can lead to pulpitis, a painful inflammation of the pulp. If left untreated, pulpitis can progress to abscess formation or even tooth loss. Treatment typically involves root canal therapy, where the infected pulp is removed and the pulp cavity is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed.

See Also

• Dental pulp
• Tooth anatomy
• Root canal therapy
• Pulpitis