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CHAPTER VIII

THE TREATMENT OF PULPS AND THE OPENING AND
FILLING OF PULP CHAMBERS AND CANALS

General Considerations.—The pulp is situated in the pulp
I
chamber and canals, which it completely fills. It sends out
numerous prolongations, the dentinal fibrillae, which penetrate
the dentin to the dento-enamel junction, and in some cases
enter the enamel. The enamel is a low conductor and acts as

a protective covering to the pulp and the dentinal fibrillae,
preventing the contact with and the transmission of sensations
of heat and cold, electricity, and chemical substances. When
the enamel is intact and the pulp healthy, the tooth is not
sensitive to ordinary variations in temperature, the applica-

tion of a mild electric current, or the presence of the chemical
substances usually found in the mouth, such as sweets and
acids. If, however, through the action of decay or other
causes, the enamel be lost and the dentinal fibrillae be sub-

jected to the action of these agents, they soon become ab-
normally responsive to them, transmitting these sensations to
the pulp, which soon becomes irritated, and a diseased condi-
tion of its substance supervenes.
1. If the condition receive early treatment, the resultant

fulness in the arteries of the pulp (Arterial Hyperaemia) be re-
lieved and the lost enamel and dentin be compensated for,
by the application of a non-conducting filling, the pulp may

he permanently restored to its normal condition.
2. If allowed to continue, the increased supply of blood in
the arterial system of the pulp is dammed back into the veins
(Venous H3rperaemia) and this condition supervening, finally
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