The pulp is the soft tissue lying in the center of each tooth and is the conduit for nutrition and innervations. It also provides the cells that allow hard tissue repair of the tooth. The progression of the dental decay results in irreversible inflammation of the pulp. This may be acute or chronic in nature, but at worst abscess may result concomitant with severe pain and swelling.

Irreversibly damaged pulps may be removed and the tooth restored to function by undertaking root canal treatment.