Q: What is the pulp of the tooth?

A: Inside every tooth, protected by the casing of enamel, is a mass of tissue that holds the nerves and blood vessels that are essential to the health of the tooth. People generally refer to the pulp as the 'nerve' of the tooth because it's extremely sensitive and painful when exposed. Through tiny openings in the tips of the roots of the teeth, the vessels and nerves in the tooth connect with the arteries, veins and nerves of the jaw, and on to the circulatory and nervous system of the body. The pulp brings nutrients that help with the ongoing formation of dentin, the highly calcified material that accounts for about 75 percent of the bulk of a tooth.

If the pulp becomes infected and dies, the dentin will not get the nutrition it needs. It will gradually dry up and the tooth will become brittle. If the dead pulp is not removed through a root canal procedure, the tooth may turn yellow, gray or black. One of the goals of a good oral hygiene program is to prevent decay of the enamel and dentin that protect the pulp.

May 31, 2010