Anatomy
Tooth pulp
Tooth pulp is the soft center of a tooth. It holds nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, and it lets the tooth sense temperature.
The pulp sits in the middle of each tooth, inside a space called the pulp chamber. Narrow channels, called root canals, carry it down into the tooth root. The pulp brings blood to the tooth. It also gives the tooth its feeling.
A deep cavity, a crack or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp. The pulp may then become inflamed or infected. This can cause a toothache, lingering sensitivity or swelling.
A dentist uses an exam and x-rays to look at the pulp. Treatment options include root canal therapy or removing the tooth. Our office describes root canal care on its root canal page.