DENTIN

A PowerPoint Presentation by Roll NO.31-40

FIRST YEAR (2024-2025)
Previous Year University Questions
1. Classify dentin with histological diagrams.

2. Compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties of dentin.

3. Enumerate the hypocalcified structures seen in dentin & describe them.
4. Enumerate the functions of dentine. Describe dentinogenesis in detail.
5. Theories of sensitivity of dentine.
 Pattern of Chemical
mineralization properties
of dentin
Physical
What is properties of Clinical aspects
dentin dentin
Dentin
Types of Theories of
permeability
dentin dentin
sensitivity
Comparison of Innervation of Incremental
dentin Dentin lines of Dentin

Structures and Age changes

components
Dentinal structures under
1.Reflected light
2.Transmitted light
 What is DENTIN ?

◦ Dentin is defined “ as the hard ,bone like tissue that forms the
bulk of the tooth situated beneath the enamel and
cementum ,surrounded by the pulp” . – Orban’ s Oral
Histology and Embryology
◦ It is characterized by the presence of dentinal tubules which
encircles the odontoblastic processes running through them.
◦ Dentin is secreted by the Odontoblast cells , which gets
differentiated from the undifferentiated mesenchymal cells of
the dental papillae.
◦ Dentin forms the bulk of the tooth and contribute for the
tooth’ s overall permeability and flexibility .
 Physical Properties of Dentin
• Pale yellow in colour contributing to the overall colour of the tooth’ s crown as the light pass
through thin translucent enamel.

• Dentin is harder than bone and cementum ,but weaker than enamel
Hardness : Enamel>Dentin>Cementum>Pulp

• Dentin is elastic in nature making it flexible to adhere the masticatory forces and prevent
enamel from getting fractured.

• Tubular structure of the dentinal tubules makes it permeable

• Irritants may reach the pulp via the dentinal tubules further leading to tooth decay and pulpal
infection
 Chemical Properties of Dentin
◦ Composition : 65% - inorganic
35% - organic

◦ Hydroxyapatite crystals makes up the inorganic portion of dentin

◦ 90% of the Organic matrix is made up of type I collagen fibres
◦ Rest 10% of the organic component is made up of amorphous ground substance consisting
of mucopolysaccharides ( proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans) and non-collagenous
matrix proteins.
◦ Components of the organic matrix plays an important role in regulating the mineralization of
dentin.
 Structure of Dentin
The basic structure of dentin consist of odontoblastic processes travelling within the dentinal
tubules with their cytoplasmic extensions . The below discussed are the overall structures
which we collectively see as dentin.
1. Dentinal tubules
2. Inter-tubular Dentin
3. Odontoblastic Processes
4. Peri-tubular Dentin
5. Peri-Odontoblastic space
1.Dentinal Tubules
• These process transverse the entire thickness of
the dentin with cytoplasmic extension of the
odontoblastic cells .

• Each odontoblast gives rise to one dentinal tubule

• Dentinal tubules start at 90 degree from the surface

of the pulp .they follow a S shaped path with
convexity towards the root and end at 90 degree at
the DEJ of crown or DCJ of the root .
• Length of the dentinal tubules is more than the thickness due the curvature of the path
• Dentinal tubules runs a straighter course at root apex, incisal edge and beneath the cusp
• Ratio of outer side dentin towards the DEJ/DCJ to the inner pulpal dentin is =5:1
• Ratio of the Diameter of the tubule towards the pulpal end to towards the DEJ/DCJ =4:1
• Some of the dentinal tubules gets extended beyond the DEJ into the Enamel and are called as
ENAMEL SPINDLE
2. Inter-tubular Dentin
• Dentin present between the dentinal tubules
and forms the major bulk of the dentin.

• Made up of type I collagen fibres arranged

90 degree to the dentinal tubules.
3. Odontoblastic Processes
• They are the cytoplasmic extension of the
odontoblast into the dentinal tubules

• They are made up of protein such Actin,

tubulin and vimentin

• They contains mitochondria , vesicles, rough

endoplasmic reticulum , lysosomes etc .

• They are wider in diameter when they enter

the dentinal tubule and taper gradually as they
extend further into the tubules .
4. Peri-tubular Dentin
-The dentin present just immediately next to the dentinal tubule
-The minerals are deposited in the inner wall of the tubule to form the peri tubular dentin hence also
called as the intra-tubular dentin
-It is 5-12% more mineralized than inter-tubular dentin, lack collagenous fibrous matrix, main
constituent protein has a higher molecular weight and different amino acid composition
-Thin organic membrane lining rich in GAGs called lamina Limitans is seen on the inner aspect of the
peritubular dentin

5. Peri-odontoblastic space
-The space between the odontoblastic process and the peritubular dentin
-Thus, space contains dentinal fluids , the movement to which forms the bases of the hydrodynamic
theory of dentinal sensitivity.
 Innervation of Dentin
◦ Nerves ending pass between the odontoblast to enter the dentinal tubules in the pre-dentin
and the inner most circum-pulpal dentin

◦ These nerve endings are the terminal processes of the myelinated nerve fibres of the pulp
from the odontoblastic plexus located in the coronal portion of the relative pulp horn

◦ These fibres contains mitochondria and small vesicles

◦ Then primary afferent somatosensory nerve of the dentin and the pulp relay to the descending
trigeminal nucleus complex .
 Dentin Permeability
◦ Permeability of the dentin refers to the state of being open to the passage of fluids, ions, minute
particles and bacteria with the help of diffusion through the tissue under standard condition.
◦ Factors affecting permeability of dentin:-
1. Area exposed
2. Structure and chemistry of the tissue
3. Thickness of the membrane
4. Pressure Gradient
◦ Dentinal tubules form the major channels for the diffusion of various substances across the dentin
◦ Dentin permeability is directly proportional to the product dentinal tubules and their diameter
dentinal permeability=no. of dentinal tubules x diameter of dentinal tubules

◦ More the number of dentinal tubules = more permeability towards the pulp

◦ Intratubular dentin , collagen fibrils , proteoglycans lining and bacteria can greatly reduce the
dentinal permeability

◦ Applied Aspect: The permeable nature of dentin allows the dental restoration material to diffuse
through the tubules and reach the pulp
But in the same manner pathogens and bacteria can also reach the pulp chamber and damage the
tooth
Dentinogenesis
• The process of formation of dentin. It is the two step process in which collagen matrix
is first formed and then calcified.

2 Step Process

Organic matrix
Mineralisation
formation
 Organic Matrix Formation
1. Inner enamel epithelium send the signal to dental papilla then the dental papilla cells
differentiate into pre-odontoblasts.
2. These pre-odontoblasts develops into mature odontoblasts.
3. Cytoplasmic processes arises from the apical end of the odontoblasts, the odontoblastic
processes increase in length, further on this processes get enclosed inside the dentinal
tubules.
4. The formed dentinal matrix is predentin which is present surrounding the pulp.
5. After predentin formation, it starts mineralisation by calcium deposition, so it forms new
layer called circumpupal dentin.
6. The process of radicular dentin formation is slow.
Factors influencing dentinogenesis

1. DPP (Dentin phospho protein)

2. Osteonectin
3. Osteopontin
4. Gla protein (G)
5. Chondroitin sulphate
6. Presence of matrix vesicles
Genes regulating dentinogenesis

1. MAP 1B gene – responsible for odontoblast differentiation

2. PHEX gene – important for mineralisation of matrix

Non- Collagenous Proteins

1. DPP – dentin phospho protein
2. DSP – dentin sialoprotein
3. DGP – dentin glycoprotein
4. DMP-1 – dentin matrix protein
 Patterns of Dentin Mineralization
◦ The continuous deposition of minerals occurs initially in the mantle dentin and later
continuous in the circum-pulpal dentin .
◦ Depending on the rate of dentin formation there are two type of mineralization pattern,
1. Globular type 2. Linear type

◦
1. Globular type 2. Linear type
◦ The globular calcification occurs when the
crystals are deposited in several discrete areas in
form of globular mass . They further enlarge and
fuse to form a single calcified mass.

◦ In linear calcification , each layer of dentin is laid

out in a systematic manner and uniform linear
arrangement . But this process requires time. The
crystals arrange themselves in parallel layered
manner ,often perpendicular to the dentinal
tubules.
◦ Linear calcification pattern is more often seen in
circum-pulpal dentin.
◦ Mineralization of mantle dentin is observed to be globular in pattern
◦ Mineralization of the circum-pulpal dentin is either of globular type ( if the
dentin deposition is fast) or in the linear pattern ( if rate is slow)
Theories of Dentin Sensitivity

1 Direct neural stimulation theory

2 Fluid/ hydrodynamic theory

3 Transduction theory
1. Direct Neural Stimulation Theory

◦ States that the nerve endings inside the dentinal

tubules are directly stimulated by the external
source and causes sensitivity ,hence pain
◦ Arguments against,
a] Even though the nerve endings are seen inside
the dentinal tubules ,they are confined to the
circum-pulpal dentin and are absent in the mantle
dentin
b] Topical application of local anaesthetic to the
surface does not eliminate dentinal sensitivity
 2. Fluid / Hydrodynamic Theory

◦ States that dentin sensitivity occurs due to the movement of

dentinal fluid inside the dentinal tubules
◦ Stimulants such as heat ,cold , osmotic pressure etc. causes
movement of the dentinal fluid which further leads to
mechanical disturbance of the nerve endings present in the
inner dentin close to the odontoblast
◦ Free nerve ending in the Plexus of Raschkow sense these
disturbance resulting in sensitivity and pain.
◦ Widely accepted theory for dentin sensitivity proposing that
the nerve ending from the Plexus of Raschkow works as the
mechanoreceptors
 3. Transduction Theory
◦ Various stimuli stimulate the odontoblastic processes
which conduct the impulse to the nerve ending
located in the inner or circum-pulpal dentin
◦ Arguments against;
A] Neurotransmitter vesicle are absent in the
odontoblastic processes
B] There is no synaptic relationship between the
odontoblastic process and the nerve endings
 Types of Dentin
8. Dead tract
1. Primary dentin
9. Translucent dentin
2. Secondary dentin
3. Tertiary dentin 9. Interglobular dentin
4. Circum-pulpal dentin 11. Inter tubular dentin
5. Mantle dentin
12. Peri tubular dentin
6. Pre-dentin
13. Reactionary dentin
7. Sclerotic dentin
14. Reparative dentin
Primary dentin
Its is the dentin formed before the root completion
Two types of primary dentin are discussed below
A] Mantle dentin : first formed dentin in the crown, hence
is the outermost dentin
Composed of type III collagen fibres known as the
Vankoff ‘ s fibres

B] Circum-Pulpal dentin : it forms the bulk of the dentin

It is slightly more mineralized and has fibres more

closely arranged
Inter-globular dentin
◦ During mineralization of the dentin matrix ,the minerals are deposited
in the form of globules or calcospherites which further fuses together
to form a unified calcified tissue
◦ Some globules fails to fuse together into a homogeneous mass,
hypo-mineralised area is formed known as interglobular dentin
◦ Vitamin D deficiency or exposure to high level of fluoride during dentin
formation is thought to be responsible for the failure of fusion of the
globules
◦ Formation of the interglobular dentin is because of a defect in
mineralisation but not in matrix formation
◦ Dentinal tubules are present in these globules but the peritubular
dentin is absent.
Translucent Dentin
◦ It is the result of physiological ageing ,the dentinal tubules becomes completely
occluded with the surrounding peritubular dentin especially in the root

Sclerotic dentin
◦ It is the filling up of the dentinal tubules with the calcified materials in response
to the external stimuli

◦ It is considered as a defensive reaction leading to reduced permeability of the

dentin and keep the pulp vital for a prolonged time

Dead tracts
◦ Dentinal tubules becomes completely empty following the retraction of the
odontoblastic process or the death of the odontoblast

◦ These empty tubules are called as the dead tract and is more often seen in the
region coronal dentin
Tertiary dentin
◦ It is formed in response to stimuli such as attrition , erosion etc
◦ Appearance of the tertiary dentin varies as it is formed only by
the cells that are directly affected by the stimulus and depend
on the intensity and duration of stimulus
a) Reactionary dentin : formed by the existing odontoblast which
have survived severe damage caused by the stimulus . It has
an irregular appearance and fewer tubules
b) Reparative dentin : dentin formed by the newly differentiated
odontoblast cell that replaced the damaged odontoblast that
have ben destroyed by the external stimulus
Dentinal structures under different light

1. Interglobular dentin : under transmitted light appears to be dark

2. Translucent dentin: same reflective index as the inter-tubular dentin

3. Tertiary dentin :variable appearance due to different physiological stimulus and fewer
dentinal tubules
4. Sclerotic dentin : transparent and appears white in the transmitted light and dark under
reflected light
5. Dead tract: appears dark in under transmitted light and white under reflected light due
to internal reflection
Incremental lines
◦ The incremental lines of Von Ebner are the fine lines present on dentin demarcation the path of
the odontoblast cell during matrix formation
◦ Runs at right angle to the dentinal tubules
◦ These lines reflect the daily rhythmic , recurrent deposition of dentin matrix
◦ Some of these incremental lines are accentuated because of some hinderance in the matrix
formation ,called as Contour Lines Of Owen.
◦ In the deciduous teeth and in the first permanent molars the prenatal and postnatal dentin is
separated by an accentuated contour line termed as Neonatal line
◦ It reflects the abrupt change in the environment that occur at birth .
◦ The dentin matrix formed prior to birth is usually of better quality than that formed after birth
Hypocalcified Structures
A. Incremental Lines
1. Incremental lines of Von Ebner
2. Contour lines of Owen
3. Neonatal lines

B. Interglobular Dentin

C. Granular layer of Tomes

Age Changes in Dentin
1. Increase in sclerotic dentin and dead tract.
2. Increase in the formation of tertiary dentin.
3. Number of dentinal tubules decreases.
4. Dentin permeability decreases.
5. Continuous deposition of secondary dentin reduces the size of the pulp chamber.
6. Ability also decreases with age.
7. Decreased rate of Dentinogenesis.
8. Flexibility of the dentin decreases.
 Clinical Aspects
1. Bacteria and toxins reaches the pulp via the dentinal tubules.
2. Dehydration of dentin follows the death of the pulp.
3. Exposure of the dentin leads to sensitivity.
4. The procedure of root canal becomes more difficult with age due to the deposition of
secondary dentin.
5. Overall size of the pulp chamber decreases.
6. The permeable nature of dentin allows the dental restoration material to diffuse through
the tubules and reach the pulp
Exposed dentin Dental restoration material-zinc amalgam
Size of pulp chamber decreases Bacterial infection due to dentin permeability
 DENTIN ENAMEL
More sensitive Less sensitive

Dentinal tubules are present in enamel rods are present in

dentin enamel
Less hard Harder

y More permeable and flexible Less permeable and flexible

Lower tensile strength Higher tensile strength

More radiolucent than enamel Less Radiolucent

due to its reduced mineral
Dentinogenesis occur Amelogenesis stops after
 DENTIN BONE

Dentin forming cells called the Bone forming cells called the
odontoblast remains external to osteoblast may become
the dentinal matrix and only enclosed within the matrix to
their processes are enclosed form the osteocyte
inside the dentinal tubules

Harder Less hard

More permeable Less permeable

 Multiple Choice Questions
1. Dentino-enamel junction is?
a) Flat b) concave c) convex d) scalloped
2. Contour lines of Owen?
a) Incremental lines of dentin b) accentuated incremental lines of dentin c) neonatal
lines of dentin d) hyper-mineralised area of dentin
3. Membrane present in dentinal tubules is?
a) Lamina lucida b) lamina densa c) lamina dura d) lamina limitans
4. Un-mineralised dentinal matrix is known as?
a) Primary dentin b) osteodentin c) mantle dentin d) predentin
5. Permeability of dentin is least in?
a) transparent dentin b) secondary dentin c) mantle dentin d) circumpulpal dentin
Reference
◦ Orban’ s Oral Histology and Embryology
◦ Class notes