Enamel

Enamel consists of approximately 96% of inorganic material and 4% of organic material and water by weight It consists of approximately 12% of inorganic material and 88% of organic material and water by volume The fundamental units of enamel are rods and interrod enamel

Enamel rods are connected to one another in such a way that they appear like keyholes.

Enamel rods appear like keyholes

The crystals making up the rod and interrod enamel have same composition but are oriented in different direction

Enamel rod and Interrod enamel

The boundary between rod and interrod enamel is marked by a narrow space filled with organic materials known as rod sheath

Immunocytochemical preparation showing rodsheath

Dentino-enamel junction (DEJ)

DEJ represents the interface between dentine and enamel

It appears scalloped which increases the surface area and enable the two dissimilar matrices to interlock

DEJ

Striae of Retzuis often extend from the DEJ to the outer surface of the enamel, where they end in shallow furrows know as perikymata (or imbrication lines)

Striae of Retzuis

Dentin
Unlike enamel, dentin is a vital tissue containing the cell processes of odontoblasts and neuron Mature dentin has 30% organic, 70% inorganic, Most of its organic matrix being collagen. Dentin is packed with dentinal tubules that traverse its entire thickness containing an odontoblastic process and nerve fibres.

Dentine tubules odontoblastic processes removed

Odontoblasts peri-tubular and intertubular dentin has been removed

3. Histological Features of Dentin

Depending on its time of development Dentin is classified as: Primary dentin Secondary dentin Tertiary dentin

Other types of Dentin

Predentin Mantle Dentin Circumpulpal Dentin Inter-globular Dentin Sclerotic Dentin Intra-tubular Dentin Inter-tubular Dentin Tomes Granular layer

Odontoblast process in dentin tubule

Lines of Owen

Neonatal Line in Enamel and Dentin