Pulp

Question 1

What are the cells present in pulp

Answer 1

Odontoblasts (higher density in the crown) which lay down dentine

Fibroblasts which synthesise ECM and form connective tissue. Stellate shaped. Become smaller, narrower and spindle shaped with age. Differentiate into odontoblast-like cells

Dendritic cells, macrophages, lymphocytes are immunocompetent cells.

Undifferentiated mesenchymal cells which can differentiate into fibroblasts or odontoblasts

Question 2

What is the arteriovenous shunt

Answer 2

Blood vessels that become active during inflammation and repair, increasing perfusion in areas with dentine breach, permitting regional control of pulpal blood flow. Reduce blood flow, less inflammation, low compliance of dentine

Question 3

Functions of pulp

Answer 3

Protective, nerve endings mediate sense of pain. Pain stimulus can cause fluid movement within tubules, exciting nerve endings.

Provide nutrients for dentine formation and maintain integrity of pulp

Dentinal fluid contain immunoglobulins, outward flow of bacteria to make it difficult for bacteria to reach pulp. Intratubular fibres to trap dentine. Inflammatory response, synthesise tertiary dentine to reduce permeability.

Question 4

What happens to pulp with age (4)

Answer 4

Pulp volume decreases due to secondary dentine formation.

Reduction in pulp cells, decrease in number of cells due to decreased inherent healing ability of aged pulps

Increased thickness and number of collagen fibres

Increase pulpal calcification (pulp stones) that can impede RCT