Collagen pp 421-446 | Cite as

Dentin

  • P. Zaslansky
Chapter

Abstract

Dentin, composed mainly of dahllite and fibrillar collagen, has a complex irregular microstructure. It has several distinct features such as micron-sized tubules that traverse the entire thickness, a large hollow pulp cavity and an external stiff cap. Dentin forms the foundation of teeth and provides a mechanical backing for the enamel cap. Being vital and highly innervated, it is a sensitive tissue, capable of responding to both mechanical and chemical stimulations from the environment. High permeability to fluid-flow through the tubules as well as a directional design suggest that dentin has sensory functions related to pressure that may be exerted on the outer surfaces.

Average mechanical properties have been reported for dentin: E = modulus of about 20 GPa, compressive and shear strengths amounting to 250 MPa whereas tensile strength is only about 50 MPa. Fracture toughness measurements found a range of 1.5 to 3.5,MPa√m, and work of fracture estimates span from 250 to 550 J/m2. Some anisotropy exists, yet values of all properties seen to vary with both location and orientation.

Much of the mineral in crown dentin is found in peritubular dentin-encircling tubules, where no collagen is found. Between tubules, intertubular dentin is seen as a mesh of mineralized collagen fibrils. Fibril arrangements are more regular in the root, where they are set in incremental layers, orthogonal to the tubules. In the crown however, many fibrils are arranged at angles to and also along the orientation of the tubules.

Various types including of dentin are known mantle dentin – confined to a narrow region beneath the junction with enamel and slow-forming secondary dentin – appearing over the years in the pulp; Non-normal dentin types such as reactionary/reparative dentin, interglobular dentin and caries display significant variations in their structure, resulting in altered mechanical properties.

Keywords

Dentinal Tubule Human Tooth Oral Biol Root Dentin Human Dentin 
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