Dentinogenesis
Pronunciation: den-tin-oh-JEN-eh-sis
The process by which odontoblast cells produce dentin, the mineralised tissue forming the bulk of the tooth beneath the enamel and cementum.
Full Definition
Dentinogenesis begins before amelogenesis and continues throughout life in the form of secondary and tertiary (reparative) dentin deposition. Primary dentin forms the original tooth structure; secondary dentin is deposited after root completion at a slower rate; tertiary dentin is produced in response to irritants such as caries or cavity preparation. Dental hygienists may note tertiary dentin clinically when reviewing radiographs for pulp chamber changes. Editors must be precise in distinguishing dentinogenesis from amelogenesis, as documents describing tooth development frequently use both terms in close proximity.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'dentinogenesis imperfecta', the inherited disorder of dentin formation, and from 'amelogenesis', which refers to enamel formation.
In Context
- "The continuing education article explained how tertiary dentinogenesis serves as the pulp's defence mechanism against deep carious lesions." — Continuing education article
- "Ensure 'dentinogenesis' is not hyphenated when it appears mid-sentence in clinical monographs." — Style guide