TOOTH CIRCULATION:  Capillary Fluid Exchange

A. Osmotic Forces

1. Blood: normal (7 gm/dl protein, p = 28 mmHg)

2. Tissue: probably normal (0.5 gm/dl protein, p = 2 mmHg)

Note:  1 gm/dl plasma protein = 4 mmHg osmotic pressure

B. Hydrostatic Forces

1. Tissue (pulp chamber)

a. measurement technique: pulp cannulation

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b. result: tissue pressure normal range 15-25 mmHg (unusually high)

2. Capillary: hydrostatic pressure in capillary must be unusually high also -- 40-50 mmHg, since, in a steady state (no net fluid accumulation):

Pc - Pt = pc - pt

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Tooth Pulp

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Typical Capillary Bed

C. Hemodynamic Implications

1. The tooth pulp circulation has an unusually high post-capillary resistance to blood flow (compared to its pre-capillary resistance)

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2. The tooth is at particular risk of ischemic necrosis from injury due to Self Strangulation

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