CLINICAL METHODS FOR ASSESSING PULP VIABILITY

Dental pulp (pulpa dentis) is a specialized type of loose fibrous connective tissue rich in blood vessels and nerve fibers that fills the tooth cavity, i.e. the pulp chamber and root canals. Due to the presence of a large number of receptor nerve endings in it, the pulp provides a very high pain sensitivity of tooth tissues to the effects of mechanical, physical, and chemical stimuli. Examination of the pulp involves attempts to get a response from the sensitive neurons of the pulp. Examination of the pulp involves thermal or electrical stimulation of the tooth to obtain a subjective response from the patient (i.e., it is necessary to find out whether the nerve endings of the pulp are functioning). The study can also be more objective if devices are used to determine the safety of pulp vessels