Dentin

Question 1

General characteristics of dentin

Answer 1

Forms bulk of tooth
Not visible- covered w/ enamel or cementum- yellow in color
Calcified- 70%
Contains viable cells
Great tensile strength- provides elastic base for brittle enamel

Question 2

What is the percentage and composition of the inorganic portion of dentin?

Answer 2

70% inorganic material

Calcium hydroxyapatite plus carbon & fluoride

Question 3

What is the percentage and composition of the organic portion of dentin? What makes up the remainder?

Answer 3

20% organic material

Composed of collagen (protein) & ground substance (glycosaminoglycans)

10% water

Question 4

What is the origin of dentin?

Answer 4

Neuroectodermal/ectomesenchyme/mesenchyme

Neural crest cells of the head give rise to connective tissues of the head, includes “dentin”