Dentin, also known as dentine, is a hard, yellowish tissue that makes up the bulk of all teeth. It lies beneath the enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth, and surrounds the dental pulp, which is the soft tissue at the center of the tooth. Dentin is harder than bone but softer than enamel. It's made up mostly of apatite, a mineral that is also found in bone.
Here are some key things to know about dentin:
- Structure: Dentin is made up of tiny tubules called dentinal tubules, which run from the pulp to the enamel. These tubules contain odontoblasts, cells that produce dentin.
- Function: Dentin helps to protect the pulp from injury and also supports the enamel.
- Importance: Dentin is just as important as enamel in keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
- Sensitivity: When the enamel is worn away, dentin can become exposed, leading to dentin hypersensitivity. This is a condition where teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
Examples:
- Dental bonding: This is a procedure where a dentist can use a special tooth-colored resin to cover exposed dentin and prevent sensitivity.
- Biodentine: This is a biocompatible material that is used to repair damaged dentin and encourage the growth of new dentin.
In summary, dentin is a crucial component of teeth that plays a vital role in their strength, protection, and sensitivity.
