Pulpavävnaden

Pulpavävnaden, also known as dental pulp tissue, is the innermost tissue of a tooth. It is a soft connective tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and specialized cells called odontoblasts. The dental pulp is responsible for the formation and mineralization of dentin, the hard tissue that surrounds it. It also plays a crucial role in tooth sensation and nutrition.

The dental pulp is located within the pulp chamber, which is in the crown of the tooth, and extends into the root canals, which are in the root of the tooth. The pulp chamber and root canals are continuous with each other. The pulp tissue is supplied with blood by arteries that enter the tooth through small openings at the tip of the root, called apical foramina. Nerves also enter the tooth through these foramina and transmit sensory information to the brain, allowing us to feel pain, pressure, and temperature.

The primary function of the dental pulp is to produce dentin. Odontoblasts, the specialized cells of the pulp, are responsible for this process. They secrete dentin matrix, which then mineralizes to form the hard tissue. The pulp also maintains the vitality of the tooth by providing it with nutrients and oxygen. Furthermore, the pulp's sensory function alerts us to damage or disease within the tooth, such as cavities or cracks.

Inflammation of the dental pulp is known as pulpitis. It can be caused by factors such as deep cavities, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Pulpitis can lead to tooth pain and sensitivity. If left untreated, pulpitis can progress to pulp necrosis, where the pulp tissue dies. In such cases, root canal therapy or tooth extraction may be necessary to address the infection and preserve the surrounding bone.