Sensory nerve ending in dental pulp

Sensory nerve endings in the tooth are the terminal fibers of sensory neurons, primarily from the trigeminal nerve (via the superior and inferior alveolar branches), that innervate the dental pulp and dentin. These endings are responsible for detecting and transmitting sensations—especially pain—in response to noxious stimuli such as thermal changes, mechanical forces, or injury. The nerve endings are found throughout the pulp and extend into the dentinal tubules, originating from nerve bundles in the Raschkow plexus. Morphologically, they can be classified as free nerve endings of C-fibers and Aδ fibers; some may be of sympathetic origin. Damage, infection, or inflammation affecting these nerves causes dental pain (toothache) and is central to dental pathology such as pulpitis. Key points: - "Nerve ending in tooth" is anatomically correct but not a single molecular entity or a drug target. - It refers to multiple types of sensory nerve terminals (mainly free nerve endings from trigeminal sensory afferents). - These structures play a role in dental sensation, especially pain, but are not classified as a single receptor or enzyme.

Other names

Tooth nerve endingDental nerve endingIntradental nerve endingPulpal nerve endingFree nerve ending in tooth

Blockade of sodium channels in sensory nerve fibers (for local anesthesia) Inhibition of neuronal action potential propagation