Dental pulp: Histology, dentinal pain and advances in treatment

Introduction:The dental pulp, a highly specialized tissue, played a fundamental role in the vitality and functionality of teeth. This review article explored the histology of the dental pulp, the mechanisms of dentinal pain and advances in the materials used in pulp treatments. The impact of traditional treatments, such as formocresol, and new alternatives, such as Biodentine, in pediatric dentistry was analyzed. Development: The structural and functional characteristics of the dental pulp were described, including its rich vascularization and innervation, essential to respond to external and internal stimuli. In addition, the theories of dentinal pain were discussed: odontoblastic, dentinal innervation and hydrodynamic. Regarding pulp treatments, formocresol was highlighted for its efficacy in tissue fixation, but with limitations related to its toxicity and potential carcinogenic effect. In contrast, Biodentine, a bioactive material, showed superiority in stimulating the formation of reparative dentin and preserving pulp vitality, reducing postoperative risks. Biodentine was positioned as a safe and effective alternative in pulp treatments, surpassing formocresol in biocompatibility and regenerative benefits. Its use, combined with rigorous clinical protocols, allowed optimizing the health and functionality of dental tissues in pediatric dentistry. These findings underscored the need for more conservative approaches and continued research into new bioactive materials