Q: What is the pulp of the tooth?
A: The pulp is a very sensitive tissue in the center of the tooth that holds the tiny blood vessels and nerves that are essential to a tooth's health. Because the tissue is so sensitive the pulp is also often referred to as the tooth's nerve. The blood vessels and nerves of the pulp connect with their larger counterparts in the jaw through the very small openings in the tips of the roots of the tooth. As we age, the size of the pulp decreases. But the health of the pulp is essential to the supply of nutrients to the tooth and the development of dentin.
Q: What is dentin?
A: Dentin is the substance under the tooth's enamel that helps protect the pulp and strengthened the tooth. If the pulp dies, the dentin surrounding it will gradually dry up. Unless the tooth receives successful root canal therapy, the tooth may turn yellow, gray or black.
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