How do healthy dental pulps respond to injury?

Healthy dental pulps respond to injury primarily through the formation of reparative dentine at the pulpal surface. When the pulp sustains an injury, such as from caries, trauma, or other forms of insult, it activates a biological response aimed at protecting the tooth and maintaining its viability.

The process involves the stimulation of the odontoblasts, which are cells responsible for the production of dentin. In response to injury, these cells may increase their activity and lay down additional layers of dentine, helping to seal the pulp and reduce the risk of infection. This reparative dentine is generally denser and more mineralized than normal dentine, serving as a protective barrier to external stimuli and potential pathogens.

The formation of reparative dentine is crucial for the integrity of the tooth structure and overall dental health following injury. It demonstrates a vital aspect of the pulp's ability to self-repair and adapt in the face of damage, highlighting the biological competence of the dental pulp in response to injury.