Abstract
The properties of dentine and pulp are closely related and from a functional standpoint these tissues are often referred to as the dentine–pulp complex. In recent years there has been considerable progress in our understanding of the physiology of the dentine–pulp complex. This review describes some of the advances that are relevant to clinical dentistry, including dentine permeability, dentine bonding, dentine sensitivity, the properties of pulpal nerves and blood vessels and the reactions of the dentine–pulp complex to operative dental procedures.