Dentin sensitivity, odontoblasts and nerves under desiccated or infected experimental cavities. A clinical, light microscopic and ultrastructural investigation.

Cavities were prepared in 35 pairs of young human premolars. One tooth in each pair served as a control. In one Series the test cavity was desiccated with compressed air for one minute. LM and TEM examination of the dentin and the adjacent pulp revealed an extensive aspiration of odontoblasts. Nerve fibers had moved 0.1 to 0.2 mm outward in the tubules. It is suggested that a streching or disruption of the nerve had occurred during desiccation. In a second Series, the test cavity was infected for 1 to 2 weeks. No nerve fibers were seen in the dentinal tubules under the cavities, only cellular remnants and some microorganisms. Despite the absence of nerves the dentin in the bottom of the infected cavities was highly sensitive to stimulation. It was concluded that the nociceptive nerves present in the adjacent inflamed pulp may be terminals, mechanosensitive in nature and that they activated by rapid outward movements of the tubules fluid.