Dentin basic structure and composition—an overview

Dentin is the most voluminous structural component of human tooth. Dentin protects pulp tissue from microbial and other noxious stimuli. It also provides essential support to enamel and enables highly mineralized and thus fragile enamel to withstand occlusal and masticatory forces without fracturing. Furthermore, it is the first vital tissue to meet external irritation, and instead of being merely a passive mechanical barrier, dentin may in many ways participate in dentin–pulp complex defensive reactions. Even though dentin is usually considered as an entity, different parts of dentin may have special qualitative properties that help dentin to meet all of its required demands. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the basic structure and composition of dentin, including the collagenous components of the dentin organic matrix and minerals. We also describe the specific structural and functional features of the dentin–enamel junction ( DEJ ), mantle dentin, inter‐ and peritubular dentin, and pulp stones.