An update on the physiology of the dentine-pulp complex

The properties of dentine and pulp are closely related and from a functional standpoint these tissues are often referred to as the dentine-pulp complex. In recent years there has been considerable progress in our understanding of the physiology of the dentine-pulp complex. This review describes some of the advances that are relevant to clinical dentistry, including dentine permeability, dentine bonding, dentine sensitivity, the properties of pulpal nerves and blood vessels and the reactions of the dentine-pulp complex to operative dental procedures

The neural mechanisms of oral and facial pain

Pain is a complex and variable phenomenon that can be influenced by many factors. The neural pathways serving pain are not passive conduits, but are part of a dynamic system which can result in different levels of pain resulting from similar injuries under different circumstances. The passage of signals in these pathways may be inhibited or enhanced at almost any level, from the peripheral sensory receptors to the higher centres of the brain. This review will describe recent developments in our understanding of these mechanisms and how this knowledge may be used in controlling pain