Peripheral sensory nerve endings in dentin

Peripheral sensory nerve endings in dentin are the terminal branches of the trigeminal nerve that reside within the dental pulp and extend into the dentinal tubules. These endings consist of myelinated A-delta fibers, which transmit sharp, acute pain, and unmyelinated C-fibers, which are typically associated with dull, aching pain and inflammation (StatPearls, 2023). According to the hydrodynamic theory, stimuli such as temperature changes or osmotic pressure cause fluid movement within the tubules, which mechanically distorts these nerve endings and triggers nociceptive signals (Brännström, 1963). These nerve endings are the therapeutic target for treating dentin hypersensitivity, where drugs like potassium nitrate are used to reduce nerve excitability by increasing extracellular potassium levels (PubMed, PMID: 16355647). Additionally, local anesthetics may be used to block sodium channels in these fibers during dental procedures to prevent pain transmission.

Other names

Intradental nerve endingsDentinal nociceptorsPulpal nerve fibersA-delta and C-fibers of the dental pulp

Nerve desensitization via potassium ion-induced depolarization; Blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels; Physical occlusion of dentinal tubules to prevent hydrodynamic stimulation.