Dentinpulp

Dentin-pulp, or the dentin-pulp complex, refers to the functional unit inside a tooth that includes the mineralized dentin and the adjacent dental pulp. The dentin forms the bulk of the tooth structure beneath the enamel, while the pulp lies within the pulp chamber and root canals, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Odontoblasts line the dentin-pulp border and continually produce dentin, with their cellular processes extending into dentinal tubules that traverse the mineralized tissue.

Dentin is a porous, mineralo-organic tissue composed of mineralized rods (dentinal tubules) embedded in a collagenous matrix. It is categorized as primary dentin formed during tooth development, secondary dentin laid down after eruption, and tertiary (reaction) dentin produced in response to injury or stimuli. The tubules house odontoblast processes and contain fluid that can transmit thermal and chemical signals, contributing to dentin’s role in sensation and protection.

The pulp is a soft, vascularized connective tissue rich in fibroblasts, stem cells, immune cells, nerves, and extracellular matrix. It supplies nutrients to dentin, supports ongoing dentin formation, and mediates sensory and inflammatory responses. The pulp’s nerves convey pain and trigger reflexes, while its immune components defend against bacterial invasion.

Clinically, the dentin-pulp complex is central to procedures such as caries management, pulp capping, pulpotomy, and root canal therapy. Exposure or infection of the pulp can lead to pulpitis and necrosis. Modern approaches aim to preserve vitality and promote repair by promoting dentin regeneration and pulp healing through vital pulp therapy and biomaterial-guided regeneration.