Mechanistic analysis of fluid distribution across the pulpodentin complex

Fluid shifts across pulpal vessels occur during the development of pulpal inflammation. Similarly, fluid shifts occur across dentin during the application of stimuli that cause hydrodynamic activation of mechanoreceptors in the pulp. Numerous dental procedures probably also induce fluid shifts across dentin. As dentin and the pulp are located in series and function in a low compliance environment, it is probable that fluid shifts across exposed dentin cause fluid shifts across pulpal vessels. This review attempts to identify the important variables that regulate fluid distribution across vascular beds in general and discusses the special cases that exist in the pulpodentin complex.