What is the main role of dental pulp?

The main role of dental pulp is to provide sensory function and nourishment to the tooth. Dental pulp is a soft tissue located in the center of the tooth, housing nerves and blood vessels. Its sensory function allows a tooth to respond to stimuli such as temperature and pain, indicating potential issues with the tooth or surrounding structures. Additionally, the blood vessels in the pulp supply essential nutrients to the tooth, helping maintain its vitality and overall health.

This role is crucial for the survival of the tooth, as without the nourishment and sensory feedback provided by the dental pulp, the tooth could become non-vital and prone to decay or infection. The other options, while related to dental anatomy and function, do not accurately describe the primary role of the dental pulp. For instance, anchoring the tooth is primarily the function of the periodontal ligament, regulating saliva is handled by salivary glands, and enamel formation occurs mainly during tooth development, rather than being a function of the pulp.