Introduction to Enamel

Question 1

What are some of the properties and functions of enamel?

Answer 1

• Hardest tissue of body
• Resists abrasion
• Supported by dentine
• Brittle
• Varies in thickness (Thicker at top of crown)
• Translucent (light passes)
• Transparency increases with mineralisation

Question 2

What is the basic unit of enamel?

Answer 2

Enamel rods (or prisim)

Question 3

What direction do enamel rods run to the surface of the tooth?

Answer 3

Adjacent to the tooths surface

Question 4

What is the name of the crystallites in enamel rods?

Answer 4

Hydroxyapatite (HA)

Question 5

Whats the approx. % content of each of the things in enamel? 3 things

Answer 5

Hydroxyapatite: 95% weight

Water: 4% weight

Organic Matrix: 1% weight