Abstract
The dentine-pulp complex response in deep caries is histological characterized by tertiary formation and mild chronic pulp inflammation. The quiescent primary odontoblasts are reactivated, laying down reactionary tertiary dentine. In more severe carious damage the primary odontoblasts die and reparative tertiary dentine is secreted by odontoblast-like cells, which are differentiated in adult teeth mainly from dental pulp stem cells DPSC. Though associated with reversible pulpitis DPSC still preserve in deep caries the capability of migration, proliferation and differentiation. Some common mechanisms of molecular signals involved in tertiary dentine formation might also explain the balance between inflammation and regeneration of dentine-pulp complex.