The term “stressed pulp” describes a vital dental pulp that has been subjected to repeated damage,

including operative trauma, accidents, or other patho­ logic changes. The stressed pulp condition is a clinical concept and not a histologic entity.

The stressed pulp condition should be considered prior to any extensive restorative dentistry or other dental procedures. Although a stressed pulp is usually asymptomatic clinically, it may deteriorate rapidly to a diseased or necrotic condition. Crown preparations, pin buildups, restorative failures, tooth structure cracks,  and poor systemic conditions can transform the pulp from a state of asymptomatic stress to a state of pulpal disease.