Necrotic collagen-degraded dentin

Necrotic, collagen-degraded dentin refers to the outermost layer of a dental carious lesion, often termed infected dentin. This tissue is characterized by a total loss of mineral content and a high concentration of acidogenic bacteria. The organic matrix, primarily type I collagen, is irreversibly denatured by both bacterial proteases and host-derived enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (Tjäderhane et al., 2015). Unlike the underlying affected dentin, this necrotic layer lacks the structural integrity to serve as a scaffold for remineralization (Fusayama, 1979). Clinically, it is identified by its soft consistency and lack of sensitivity to stimuli. In restorative dentistry, this layer is typically removed to eliminate the infection and provide a sound substrate for bonding. However, pharmacological interventions such as silver diamine fluoride can be used to arrest the decay process within this layer by killing bacteria and inhibiting degradative enzymes (Horst et al., 2016).

Other names

Infected carious dentinOuter carious dentinNecrotic dentinSoftened dentinCarious dentin

Antimicrobial activity, inhibition of host-derived proteases (MMPs), and collagen cross-linking to stabilize the organic matrix.