Pulp-dentin biology in restorative dentistry. Part 3: Pulpal inflammation and its sequelae.

Physiologic and histopathologic experimental studies over the last 30 to 40 years have demonstrated that the healing of the dental pulp is comparable to that of connective tissue elsewhere, despite its location in the low-compliance pulp chamber. The greatest difficulty from a clinical point of view is to assess cellular changes and vitality of the pulp. If it is vital, the potential for repair is present, especially in young individuals.