Pulp Flashcards
3 functions of the dental pulp
provides nutrients to odontoblasts
It acts as a sensory organ especially when Dentine is exposed, the pulp rapidly responds to stimuli such as caries and attrition laying down more dentine.
It mobilises Defence cells when bacteria enter it
what is the pulp structure/composed of?
Fibres
Cells
blood vessels, nerves
where is the pulp derived from after the formation of dentine?
the dental papilla
what shape are root canals?
cuboidal shape
what shape is the pulp chamber?
elongated columnar
what shape is the apical foramen (apex) ?
flattened
what are the 4 defence cells of the pulp?
Histiocytes
Plasma cells
T-Lymphocytes
mesenchyme cells
Nerve supply – The nerves of the Pulp are of two types which are?
Sympathetic, controls dilation of blood vessels
Sensory - only nerve endings found in the pulp are pain receptors which means that all stimuli such as heat , pressure, and touch are transmitted as pain
what can happen to your pulp as you get older?
your pulp becomes smaller and less secondary dentine is placed down.
Pulp becomes less vascular and more fibrous
teeth of older patients are much less sensitive than those of adolescents or young adults. This is explained by two changes that take place in the Pulp with age
Clinical Considerations
Pulpitis can be induced by cavity prep
Chemical irritation from filling
Leave hard residual caries
Blood vessels are contained within dentine so inflammatory process is confined= pain
is the pulp a highly vascular tissue?
yes
what are the cells which line the pulpal surface of the dentine?
odontoblasts
with advancing age a number of calcified structures may appear in the pulp what are they Called?
pulp stones
