---
title: "What Is Tooth pulp? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Tooth pulp is the soft center of a tooth. It holds nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, and it lets the tooth sense temperature."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-pulp
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-root). The pulp brings blood to the tooth. It also gives the tooth its feeling.

A deep [cavity](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries), 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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/root-canal-therapy) or removing the tooth. Our office describes root canal care on its [root canal page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal).

[Town Center Dental can helpRoot Canal Treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/root-canal)

## Related terms

-   [Dentin](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dentin)
-   [Root canal therapy](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/root-canal-therapy)
-   [Pulpotomy](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/pulpotomy)
-   [Dental abscess](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-abscess)
-   [Toothache](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/toothache)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus: Root canal](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007275.htm)
2.  [MedlinePlus: Root canal](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007275.htm)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)