Care of the Pulp Flashcards
what are the contents of the pulp?
- cells
- nerves
- BV
vital tissue
what types of nerve fibre are found in the pulp?
alpha and c fibres
what are 2 key things about the vital tissue in the pulp?
- responds to stimuli
- regenerative potential
what are the 4 main functions of the pulp?
- nutritive
- sensory
- protective
- formative
what cells in the pulp form odontoblasts? what function of the pulp is this a part of?
protective response by forming tertiary dentine
what are potential sources of injury to the pulp?
- caries
- cavity preparation (heat generated and tpe of bur)
- restorations (microleakage, chemicals and toxins)
- trauma
- tooth wear
- periodontal pathology
- orthodontic treatment
- radiation therapy
dentine tubules increase in what as they approach the pulp?
size and diameter
in deeper cavities, what happens to the dentine?
the deeper the cavity the greater the dentine permeability
what sort of things can diffuse into the pulp space via the dentinal tubules?
- bacterial substances (enzymes, peptides, endotoxin e.g LPS)
- polysaccharides
- antibodies
- immune complexes
- complemet proteins
- tissue destruction products
what type of pain is usually associated with alpha fibres?
sharp pain
what type of pain is usually associated with c fibres?
- dull ache
what 2 pulpal conditions activate pain from c fibres?
- increased pulpal BF
- increased pulpal pressure
what are some of the clinical difference between reversible and irreversible pulpitis presentation?
reversible
- = pain to cold that lasts a short time
- hydrodynamic expression = microleakage (alpha fibres react)
- no change in pulpal BF
irreversible
- pain on heat
- no pain to cold
- spontaneous pain
- increased pulpal BF
what are the treatment options in endodontics for mature teeth?
- RCT
- extraction
what are the treatment options in endodontics for immature teeth?
- pulpotomy
- pulpectomy then full RCT
- extraction