When a tooth experiences damage, the pulp's defensive mechanisms are activated. This involves the recruitment of stem cells, which differentiate into odontoblast-like cells. These cells then begin depositing dentin matrix, which later mineralizes to form reparative dentin. The process is highly dependent on the severity and type of stimulus. For example, a mild stimulus may result in the formation of reactionary dentin by existing odontoblasts, while a severe stimulus will more likely lead to the formation of reparative dentin by newly differentiated cells.
