13 - Physiology + Function of the pulp

Question 1

Physiology of pulp

Answer 1

There are periods of the pulp life:

• Embryonic
• Functional
• Senile

Question 2

Embryonic period

Answer 2

• Begins at the moment of formation of dental papilla
• Stops when root apex is completely formed

Question 3

Functional stage

Answer 3

• Begins after root apex is completely formed
• Lasts a long time
• Gradually with age changes occur
• Fibres ⇡ , cells and tissue environment ⇣
• Volume of pulp ⇣, Functions of pulp slow down

Question 4

Functions of pulp

Answer 4

Inductive

Formative

Nutritive

Vitality

Protective

Reparative

Sensory

Question 5

Inductive function

Answer 5

• Induces cells producing the dentin that surrounds + protects the pulp
• Pulp induces enamel organ to become a particular type of tooth

Question 6

Formative function

Answer 6

• Pulp cells produce dentin
• Odontoblasts ⇢ develop organic matrix + function in its calcification
• Through development of odontoblasts processes ⇢ dentin is formed along tubule wall + at pulp pre dentin front

Question 7

Nutritive function

Answer 7

• Pulp nourishes dentin through the odontoblasts + their processes

Question 8

Vitality

Answer 8

• Most important function of pulp is to provide vitality to the teeth + its cells, blood vessels + nerves

Question 9

Protective function

Answer 9

• During infection + inflammation ⇢ high viscosity of proteoglycans present a mechanical barrier to bacteria
• However, some strains of streptococci produce hyaluronidase as a spreading factor
• Hyaluronidase ⇣ viscosity of barrier by hydrolysing glycosaminoglycans ⇢ contributes to bacterial penetration of CT
• Pulp responds to stimuli such as ⇢ heat, cold, pressure + operative cutting procedures
• Pulp is protected w/formation of sclerotic dentin
• Pulp protects itself + dentin w/mineral deposition in tubules against bacterial product’s invasions
• Pulp is protected w/formation of 3° dentin

Question 10

Reparative function

Answer 10

• Pulp produces reparative dentin + mineralises any affected dentinal tubules
• Its can be reparative through its response to operative cutting or dental caries via formation of reparative dentin

Question 11

Sensory function

Answer 11

• Sensory nerves in tooth respond w/pain to all stimuli such as ⇢ cold, heat, pressure, operative procedures + chemicals
• Nerves Pain id a function of the high concentration of nerve endings in the pulp
• The pulp is highly sensitive to all stimuli
• The close relations between nerve endings + odontoblasts + their processes is significant