Neurovascular interactions in the dental pulp in health and inflammation

The two key components in pulpal inflammation are microcirculation and sensory nerve activity. With advancement of techniques they can be measured simultaneously in the same tooth. Excitation of A-delta fibers seems to have an insignificant effect on pulpal blood flow (PBF), whereas C fiber activation causes an increase in PBF. This C fiber-induced PBF increase is caused by neurokinins, especially substance P, which is released from the C fiber nerve terminals. Manipulation of PBF has varying effects on sensory nerve activity. An increase in PBF causes excitation of both A-delta and C fibers via an increase in tissue pressure, whereas flow reduction has an inhibitory effect on A-delta fibers, but no discernible effect on C fiber activity. Understanding of this complex neurovascular relationship in the pulp, especially given the fact that the pulp is in a low compliance system, is prerequisite to more comprehensive characterization of pulpal inflammation.