Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Tooth pulp is the most vital part of the tooth, originating in the center of the tooth, underneath the enamel layer the top layer and the dentin layer the second layer , in the pulp chamber.
The shape of a pulp chamber varies based on the size of the tooth itself. Tooth pulp is soft and consists of living blood vessels, connective tissue, and large nerves. Also commonly referred to as the nerve, the pulp branches out and continues down each root through the canals of the tooth and stops just shy of the apex, or tip, of the tooth.
You can have up to 52 total different pulp organs: 32 of the pulp organs can be found in your permanent teeth and 20 can be found in your primary teeth, also known as baby teeth. The pulp has several important functions, including:. The most important job of tooth pulp is to produce dentin, which is a calcified tissue that serves as the second layer of the tooth, supporting the enamel above it.
This usually causes pain, especially when you eat or drink something that's hot or cold because the dentin stimulates your tooth pulp or nerve. It can appear gray or black, but it most typically appears with a yellowish hue. Painful inflammation of the pulp results in a condition known as pulpitis. Tooth decay is the number one cause of pulpitis, followed by injury.
Cell death results in a decreased number of cells. The surviving fibroblasts respond by producing more fibrous matrix increased type I over type II collagen but less ground substance that contains less water.
So with age the pulp becomes:. Figure 6. Figure 7. Note the pulp horn B is not as well defined due to responsive ingrowth of secondary dentin below the worn cusp. Cementum has begun to thicken on the root C. Figure 8 shows the changes in pulp cavity size by middle age. The pulp horn continues to be reduced in response to increased wearing of the overlying enamel. Anoverall reduction in pulp cavity dimensions through the continued deposition of normal secondary dentin has occurred.
Histology of the pulp reveals a decreased cellularity coupled with increased fibrosis. Cementum C deposition continues and the apical foramen subsequently has undergone a reduction in diameter D. Figure 9 is illustrative of the pulp cavity in old age. Continued wearing of the enamel on the cusp has resulted in the formation of dead tracts of dentin E.
It has also stimulated the formation of reactive secondary dentin F that has obliterated the pulp horn and now grows into the coronal pulp cavity. The pulp cavity, coronal and radicular regions, has been markedly reduced from that in the young stages. Cementum C continues to be deposited and the apical foramen D isnow considerably narrower. Aging decreases the ability of dental pulp to respond to injury and repair itself. The fact that the pulp is surrounded by mineralized dentin makes relatively minor pathologic events like inflammation, that cause swelling elsewhere, lead to a compression of the pulp leading to intense pain.
This generally results in the death of the pulp. These calcified bodies are generally found loose within the pulp but may eventually grow large enough to encroach on adjacent dentin and become attached.
These bodies are classified by either their development or histology:. Epithelio-Mesenchymal Interactions. Small groups of epithelial cells become isolated from the epithelial root sheath during development and end up in the dental papilla.
Here they interact with mesenchymal cells resulting in their differentiation into odontoblasts. They form small dentinal structures within the pulp. Calcific Degenerations. Spontaneous calcification of pulp components collagen fibers, ground substance, cell debris, etc.
These cells then produce concentric layers of calcifying matrix on the surface of the mass - but no cells become entrapped.
Diffuse Calcification. A variation of the above whereby seriously degenerated pulp undergoes calcification in a number of locations. These bodies resemble calcific degenerations except for their smaller size and increased number.
Calcified bodies in the pulp may be composed of dentin, irregularly calcified tissue , or both. A calcified body containing tubular dentin is referred to as a "true" pulp stone or denticle Lab Image 7. True pulp stones exhibit radiating striations reminiscent of dentinal tubules.
Usually those bodies formed by an epithelio- mesenchymal interaction, are true pulp stones. Irregularly calcified tissue generally does not bear much resemblance to any known tissue and as such is referred to as a "false" pulp stone or denticle Lab Image 6. False pulp stones generally exhibit either a hyaline-like homogeneous morphology or appear to be composed of concentric lamellae.
First, try your best to curb your sweet tooth. The acid from the sugary snacks breaks down your tooth enamel. If you do indulge in a sweet treat, swish with water afterward. Then, make sure that you follow good oral care habits. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to add strength to your enamel, and clean between your teeth with floss, water flossers, or another interdental cleaning device to avoid bacteria-causing plaque that can lead to cavities.
If your mouth ever causes you discomfort, don't wait. Schedule an appointment with your oral care provider. The faster you seek a dental professional's care, the better you'll feel, and the healthier your smile will be. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Your tooth pulp is protected by the harder outer layers. But if your tooth is damaged or if you have tooth decay, the pulp can become exposed. Exposed pulp is susceptible to an infection and requires prompt treatment from a dental professional.
It has a jelly-like consistency and contains:. The main functions of your tooth pulp are to create dentin and to provide your tooth with nutrition. Your tooth pulp also helps keep your dentin layer healthy by providing it with moisture and essential nutrients like albumin and fibrinogen.
Nerves in your dental pulp help protect your tooth by allowing you to sense damage to your tooth as well as changes in temperature or pressure. Your tooth pulp is found in the hollow center of your tooth. This hollowed out area is divided into two parts: your pulp chamber and your root canal. Your pulp chamber is the hollowed-out space in the body or crown of your tooth, and your root canal is the section that extends down the root.
Specific symptoms of a tooth pulp concern can vary depending on the condition. Most pulp conditions such as pulpitis are a result of tooth decay and may cause not only pain , but also:.
If your dentist diagnoses a tooth condition early, the treatment will likely be less invasive, and it may be easier to restore the health of your tooth. Pulpitis is inflammation of your tooth pulp. It happens when bacteria bypass your dentin and enamel and get into your dental pulp. Tooth decay, sudden injuries, and chronic tooth grinding can expose your pulp and put it at risk of developing an infection. Pulpitis can be classified as either reversible or irreversible.
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