Abstract
The consideration of pulpal haemodynamics is naturally intermeshed with inflammatory responses. Cellular and humoral factors may be the vehicles which aid in physiologic regulation, but when these systems are overly activated, they may lead to pathologic changes. Sensory nerves may initiate inflammatory reactions when activated, and interestingly, recent findings indicate that vasoconstrictor nerves in the pulp can inhibit the release of nervously stored vasoactive and inflammatory mediators. Thus, there are mechanisms available for endogenous control of inflammation.
The ultimate goal for studies of the many components of inflammation in oral tissues is to find ways to interrupt or cure a harmful pathologic reaction. Since sensory nerves, e.g, in the dental pulp, are often the first structures to be activated during clinical procedures, reactions that eventually occur can be assumed to be initiated and perpetuated by the sensory neuropeptides. It is therefore probable that methods to reach the excitable structures by local administration of suitable drugs may some day be of clinical value. However, still a remaining obstacle, and a real challenge, is to find methods to clinically diagnose the state of health or disease of the encapsulated dental pulp.
