13/10/2025
🚫 Understanding the Relationship Between Dentin Tubules and Pulpal Nerve Endings
The image illustrates the intricate connection between dentin tubules and pulpal nerve endings, a key factor in dental sensitivity. Odontoblasts extend their processes into the dentinal tubules, which are filled with fluid. This fluid acts as a medium that transmits external stimuli (such as thermal, chemical, or mechanical changes) toward the pulp.
🎯 Through the mechanism known as hydraulic conductance, disturbances in the dentinal fluid are transmitted within the tubules, stimulating the nearby pulpal nerves. This is why exposed dentin often results in sharp sensitivity to cold, heat, or even tactile stimuli.
☑️ In the diagram, we observe:
* Odontoblast cell bodies lining the pulp, extending their processes into dentin tubules.
* Dentinal fluid within the tubules, which transmits pressure or temperature changes.
* Nerve fibers that surround odontoblasts and detect the resulting fluid movements.
Clinically, this explains why dentin hypersensitivity occurs when the enamel or cementum is lost, exposing dentin and allowing external factors to disturb the dentinal fluid.
👉 A deep understanding of this mechanism is fundamental for dentists, as it underpins strategies for treating dentin hypersensitivity through desensitizing agents, restorative materials, and preventive approaches.
