Dentin tubule and demineralized dental mineral matrix

Dentin tubules and the demineralized dental mineral matrix are structural components of human teeth that serve as primary targets for dental therapeutics. Dentin tubules are microscopic channels (1-3 micrometers in diameter) that extend from the dental pulp to the enamel-dentin junction, containing fluid and odontoblastic processes (Goldberg et al., 2011; doi:10.1177/0022034511405386). According to the hydrodynamic theory, the movement of fluid within these tubules in response to stimuli is the primary cause of dentin hypersensitivity (Brännström, 1963; PMID: 14014943). The demineralized mineral matrix refers to the collagenous framework, primarily Type I collagen, that remains after the hydroxyapatite mineral has been dissolved by organic acids during the caries process (Featherstone, 2008; doi:10.1111/j.1600-0579.2007.00473.x). Therapeutic agents like silver diamine fluoride and various remineralizing pastes target these structures to either occlude the tubule orifices or provide a mineral reservoir for the restoration of the matrix (Mei et al., 2013; doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2013.05.007). These targets are central to the management of dental caries, erosion, and sensitivity, though they represent a complex anatomical substrate rather than a single molecular receptor. Effective treatment often involves the induction of biomimetic remineralization within the demineralized collagen scaffold to restore mechanical properties (Liu et al., 2011; doi:10.1038/nmat3046). Furthermore, the patency of dentin tubules determines the permeability of dentin to potentially harmful bacterial toxins and restorative materials (Pashley, 1992; PMID: 1506501).

Other names

Dentinal tubulesDemineralized dentin matrixDDMDemineralized enamel matrixTooth mineral matrix

Therapeutic agents act by occluding dentin tubules to inhibit fluid movement and sensory transmission, or by promoting the remineralization of the demineralized collagenous matrix through the deposition of calcium and phosphate ions.