WHAT IS DENTAL PULP, ITS FUNCTIONS

TOOTH PULP AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR DENTAL HEALTH

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The tooth consists of two parts: the root, which is located in the gum, and the tooth crown, which rises above the gum. In order to protect the internal tissues of the tooth (and for beauty!), its surface is covered with enamel. Under the enamel is an important tooth tissue that provides its protection and strength - dentin. And under the dentin is another very important life-supporting tissue of the tooth - the pulp. Thanks to it, our teeth receive nutrients, it "guards" the entrance to the root system, it signals us with pain if something is wrong in the dental area.

Pulp is a loose substance consisting of various cellular structures, connective elastin fibers and collagen tissues. The outlines of the pulp repeat the appearance of the tooth relief. The importance of the pulp is very important for the health of the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerve fibers, and various receptors. It completely fills the tooth cavity and ensures its vital activity by maintaining metabolic processes in the tissues.

FUNCTIONS OF TOOTH PULP

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Each organ, tissue, and vessel has its own mandatory functions that are aimed at performing certain actions. Important functions of the pulp:

1. Plastic - the formation of dentin (basic) tooth tissue;
2. Sensory - due to the large number of nerve endings, the pulp has the function of conducting various nerve signals and nutrients;
3. Protective - creates a powerful biological barrier due to a variety of beneficial cells.

The formation of tooth pulp occurs during embryogenesis and initially represents a tooth plate.
At the time of maturation and eruption of teeth, the growth of tooth tissues occurs: pulp and dentin.

In the event of a carious process in the tooth cavity, the pulp stimulates the regeneration of replacement dentin. With age, the number of pulp cells decreases, collagen in the tissues changes its chemical composition, nerve fiber regression increases and their sensitivity decreases.

Unfortunately, the pulp, although under the cover of dentin and enamel, is not an invulnerable place for infection. And they are to blame again - pathogenic bacteria - microbes that penetrate the pulp through untreated caries or gingivitis.

The causative agents of pulpitis are various types of coccal bacteria.In the acute period, pulpitis is characterized by swelling in the area of inflammation, tissue suppuration, and severe pain. If you don't take care of your teeth and oral health in a timely manner, pulpitis turns into a prolonged chronic form with periods of exacerbation. Over the entire period of time, pulpitis goes through three stages: a reversible process, an irreversible process, and necrosis of the pulp tissues.

To preserve the health and beauty of your teeth, be vigilant and consult a dentist at the first symptoms of any dental disease.