Dentin and Pulp Tissue

Dentin and pulp tissue constitute the internal structural and vital components of the tooth, collectively referred to as the dentin-pulp complex. Dentin is a calcified tissue protected by enamel, while the dental pulp is a highly vascularized and innervated connective tissue that supports odontoblasts responsible for dentin formation (PubMed, PMID: 25601106). This complex functions in tooth development, sensory transduction of pain, and defensive responses to injury or infection through the formation of tertiary dentin. Pathological conditions such as dental caries or trauma can lead to pulpitis, an inflammatory response that may progress to tissue necrosis if untreated (StatPearls, PMID: 31985935). Therapeutic interventions often involve materials like calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate, which promote healing and reparative dentinogenesis (PubMed, PMID: 11307910). Because it is an anatomical structure rather than a single protein or receptor, it is not classified as a conventional molecular drug target.

Other names

Dentin-pulp complexDental pulpDentinEndodontium

Pharmacological agents applied to these tissues typically act by inducing mineralized tissue formation (reparative dentin), providing antimicrobial effects, or sealing dentinal tubules to reduce fluid movement and sensitivity (StatPearls, PMID: 30252303).