Biological Response of Pulp to Restorative Materials and Procedures

Pulp, a specialized connective tissue, is very sensitive to external stimuli. In addition to the dental procedures that threaten the integrity of the pulp, injury may also result from irritation by a noxious agent brought into contact with the exposed dentin or the pulpal tissue. Any stimulus over the exposed dentinal tubules affects the pulp. The reaction of the pulp, most of the times, is physiologic; however, depending upon the intensity of the stimulus pathological changes do occur in pulp.

It is biologically evident that the contact of a dental material with cytoplasmic cell process in dentin can induce odontoblastic alterations and transient inflammatory reactions. Recently, it is established that leakage of bacteria and their products from the oral environment along the gaps in the cavity/restoration interface are more toxic than the material itself.

In this unit you will study the reaction of the pulp to the external stimuli in the form of caries ,restorative procedures .You will study the comparative toxicity of all materials which will help you to choose the materials that are kind to the pulp. It is also important for you to know the different measures undertaken to reduce the toxic effect of the materials. Further the effect of recently introduced cutting tools and other techniques utilized in restorative dentistry, on the pulp will also be evaluated to guide you to use the same cautiously.