Pulp vs Dentin
Summary: Difference Between Pulp and Dentin is that Pulp, the only soft tissue of the tooth, is a loose connective tissue enclosed by the dentin. The pulp responds to any stimuli by pain. Pulp contains the odontoblast. While dentin forms the bulk of the tooth. It consists of dentinal tubules, which contains the cytoplasmic process of the odontoblasts. The tubules are laid in the calcified matrix—the walls of the tubules are more calcified than the region between the tubules.
Pulp
The pulp, the only soft tissue of the tooth, is a loose connective tissue enclosed by the dentin. The pulp responds to any stimuli by pain. Pulp contains the odontoblast. Odontoblasts are terminally differentiated cells, and in the event of their injury and death, they are replaced from the pool of undifferentiated ectomesenchymal cells in the pulp. The pulp is continuous with the periodontal ligament through the apical foramen or through the lateral canals in the root. Pulp also contains defense cells. The average volume of the pulp is about 0.02 cm3.
Dentin
The dentin forms the bulk of the tooth. It consists of dentinal tubules, which contains the cytoplasmic process of the odontoblasts. The tubules are laid in the calcified matrix—the walls of the tubules are more calcified than the region between the tubules. The apatite crystals in the matrix are plate like and shorter, when compared to enamel. The number of tubules near the pulp are broader and closer and they usually have a sinusoidal course, with branches, all along and at their terminus at the dentinoenamel or cementodentinal junction.
The junction between enamel and dentin is scalloped to give mechanical retention to the enamel. Dentin is avascular. Nerves are present in the inner dentin only. Therefore, when dentin is exposed, by loss of enamel and stimulated, a pain-like sensation called sensitivity is experienced. The dentin forms throughout life without any stimulation or as a reaction to an irritant. The cells that form the dentin—the odontoblast lies in the pulp, near its border with dentin. Thus, dentin protects the pulp and the pulp nourishes the dentin. Though dentin and pulp are different tissues they function as one unit.
Also Read:
Difference Between Enamel and Dentin
Difference Between Cementum and Dentin
Difference Between Alveolar Bone and Cementum
Difference Between Cementum and Periodontal Ligament
Difference Between Cementum and Alveolar Bone
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.