Dental pulp – Functions and treatments
Dental pulp and its physiological functions.
Dental pulp is the most centered area within the tooth. It is parallel to the long axis of the tooth and it’s an integral part of a second layer called dentine which surrounds the pulp
It is considered a soft tissue because contains blood vessels and nerves. One of the most important functions of DP is providing minerals and organic mater to the tooth feeding it with most important nutritive elements needed in giving rise to other layers like dentine enamel and cementum.
Dental pulp chamber has a major role in the tooth development process by giving rise to ameloblasts. Amaloblasts are the primary cell unit of dentine. Odontoblasts on the other hand interact with epithelium in creating ameloblasts which are the primary cell unit of enamel. Dental pulp is a vital component of the tooth by not only providing it with blood vessels but nerves as well. The function of the pulpal nerves is related to the tooth sensitivity, immune system signalization (protective function), hydration etc.
The injury of the pulp can cause discomfort to the patient. It is very important to maintain a healthy pulp in prosthetic and restorative procedures like bridges and crowns and all restorative procedures (dental fillings). Dental pulps size and shape varies from patient to patient. All the clinicians have to consider the anatomy of the pulp before opening a cavity. That’s why an x-ray is always helpful in determining future treatment.
Pulpal interventions in partially developed teeth are not as practical as teeth that are fully developed. In these cases different procedures are applied.
Determining the best possible treatment plan based on the clinical or radiographic signs in many pulpal diseases are not always possible because the origin of a lesion for example could be related to non dental origin. In this case a well examined dental and medical history and consultation with the the patients physician is necessary The clinician needs to have considerable knowledge of the pulps biology and has to be experienced in performing pulpal interventions.
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