Abstract
Inflammatory processes associated with the innate and adaptive immune defense systems occur in the dental pulp following carious and other injury. However, the specialized environment of the pulp, in terms of its relatively noncompliant nature and the bathing of the tooth surface with oral secretions containing bacteria, poses significant challenges to maintain tissue integrity and vitality. The molecular and cellular responses taking place post-injury are multifaceted. The sequestration of growth factors and other bioactive molecules in a fossilized state within the dentin matrix and their release during carious dissolution further contributes to the complexity of signaling in the diseased pulp. It is also clear that considerable cross talk between inflammatory and regenerative cellular signaling processes occurs. An understanding of this cross talk is pivotal to our understanding of post-injury tissue events and the development of future clinical strategies for improved management of the diseased pulp and stimulation of its healing.