Dentin and root canal hard tissue surfaces

Dentin and root canal hard tissue surfaces constitute the primary mineralized structure of the tooth, forming the walls of the pulp chamber and the root canal system. This tissue is composed of approximately 70% inorganic hydroxyapatite, 20% organic material (predominantly Type I collagen), and 10% water (Goldberg et al., 2011). While not a traditional molecular target such as a receptor or enzyme, these surfaces are the central focus of endodontic therapy, where they must be cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to facilitate successful obturation. In the presence of disease, such as apical periodontitis, these surfaces harbor bacterial biofilms and are often covered by a smear layer of organic and inorganic debris (Zehnder, 2006). Therapeutic agents like sodium hypochlorite and EDTA are applied to these surfaces to dissolve necrotic tissue and remove the smear layer, respectively, ensuring the elimination of pathogens and improving the seal of restorative materials (Haapasalo et al., 2014). The structural integrity of these surfaces is critical for the tooth's longevity, as excessive chemical or mechanical degradation can lead to increased brittleness and fracture risk (Diogenes et al., 2016).

Other names

Dental dentinRoot canal wallIntraradicular dentinCircumpulpal dentinMineralized dental tissue

The therapeutic approach involves the chemical debridement of the organic collagen matrix and biofilm by proteolytic agents (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) and the chelation of calcium ions from the inorganic hydroxyapatite by chelating agents (e.g., EDTA) to remove the smear layer and open dentinal tubules for disinfection (Zehnder, 2006; Haapasalo et al., 2014).