Pulp

The dental pulp is the soft, living tissue at the center of each tooth, housed in the pulp chamber and extending down through the root canals. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that nourish the tooth during development and provide sensation — the ability to feel heat, cold, and pressure. Once a tooth is fully formed, it can survive without the pulp, which is why a root canal can save a tooth while removing the infected tissue inside. When bacteria reach the pulp through deep decay or a crack, the result is pulpitis — an inflammation that causes throbbing pain, prolonged sensitivity to temperature, and sometimes visible swelling. If the infection spreads beyond the root tip, it can develop into a dental abscess. Symptoms of pulp damage should be evaluated promptly, as early treatment prevents the need for extraction.