Tooth dentin mineral matrix

The tooth dentin mineral matrix is the primary structural component of dentin, located beneath tooth enamel and surrounding the dental pulp. It is a composite material, consisting predominantly of hydroxyapatite crystals (calcium phosphate), type I collagen fibers, and a range of non-collagenous proteins and proteoglycans[1][2][3][4][5]. This matrix gives dentin its characteristic combination of hardness and flexibility, critical for absorbing masticatory stress and protecting the tooth's core tissues. Dentin mineralization is orchestrated by a network of extracellular matrix proteins, including members of the SIBLING family (such as dentin matrix protein 1 and osteopontin), and is essential for tooth development and durability[1][5]. Unlike classical drug targets, the dentin mineral matrix is not a specific protein or receptor and is not currently targeted by therapeutic drugs; it is often the substrate for dental restoration, remineralization, or regenerative therapies.

Other names

Dentin matrixDentinal matrixMineralized dentin matrix