Dentinal Tubules
Pronunciation: DEN-tin-al TOO-byoolz
Microscopic channels traversing the dentine from the pulp cavity to the outer dentine surface, through which odontoblast processes and fluid pass.
Full Definition
Dentinal tubules are cylindrical microstructures that radiate from the pulp through the dentine to the dentino-enamel or dentino-cementum junction. Their diameter and density vary by location, being widest and most numerous near the pulp. In dental research literature, dentinal tubule patency and occlusion are central concepts in studies on dentin hypersensitivity, adhesive bonding, and antibacterial treatments. Editors should be alert to inconsistent hyphenation ('dentinal tubule' vs 'dentin tubule') and regional spelling differences ('dentine' in British usage vs 'dentin' in American usage). Tubule obliteration is the principal mechanism of many desensitising agents.
Usage
Usage note: Standardise to either 'dentinal tubules' or 'dentin tubules' throughout a manuscript; British journals typically prefer 'dentine', American journals 'dentin'.
In Context
- "Scanning electron microscopy revealed near-complete occlusion of dentinal tubules following four weeks of treatment." — In vitro dentin hypersensitivity study
- "The resin primer penetrated dentinal tubules to a mean depth of 25 µm." — Adhesive dentistry materials science paper