Biology

Difference Between Enamel and Dentin

Enamel vs Dentin

Summary: Difference Between Enamel and Dentin is that enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body. It is the only ectodermal derivative of the tooth. Inorganic constituents account for 96% by weight and they are mainly calcium phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals. While dentin forms the bulk of the tooth. It consists of dentinal tubules, which contains the cytoplasmic process of the odontoblasts. The tubules are laid in the calcified matrix—the walls of the tubules are more calcified than the region between the tubules.

Difference Between Enamel and Dentin

Enamel

The enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body. It is the only ectodermal derivative of the tooth. Inorganic constituents account for 96% by weight and they are mainly calcium phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals. These apatite crystals are arranged in the form of rods. All other hard tissues of the body, dentin, cementum and bone also have hydroxyapatite as the principal inorganic constituent. Hydroxyapatite crystals differ in size and shape; those of the enamel are hexagonal and longest.

Enamel is the only hard tissue, which does not have collagen in its organic matrix. The enamel present in the fully formed crown has no viable cells, as the cells forming it—the ameloblast degenerates, once enamel formation is over. Therefore, all the enamel is formed before eruption. This is of clinical importance as enamel lost, after tooth has erupted, due to wear and tear or due to dental caries, cannot be formed again. Enamel, lacks not only formative cells but also vessels and nerves. This makes the tooth painless and no blood oozes out when enamel is drilled while making a cavity for filling.

Dentin

The dentin forms the bulk of the tooth. It consists of dentinal tubules, which contains the cytoplasmic process of the odontoblasts. The tubules are laid in the calcified matrix—the walls of the tubules are more calcified than the region between the tubules. The apatite crystals in the matrix are plate like and shorter, when compared to enamel. The number of tubules near the pulp are broader and closer and they usually have a sinusoidal course, with branches, all along and at their terminus at the dentinoenamel or cementodentinal junction.

The junction between enamel and dentin is scalloped to give mechanical retention to the enamel. Dentin is avascular. Nerves are present in the inner dentin only. Therefore, when dentin is exposed, by loss of enamel and stimulated, a pain-like sensation called sensitivity is experienced. The dentin forms throughout life without any stimulation or as a reaction to an irritant. The cells that form the dentin—the odontoblast lies in the pulp, near its border with dentin. Thus, dentin protects the pulp and the pulp nourishes the dentin. Though dentin and pulp are different tissues they function as one unit.

Also Read:

Difference Between Enamel and Cementum

Difference Between Cementum and Dentin

Difference Between Alveolar Bone and Cementum

Difference Between Cementum and Periodontal Ligament

Difference Between Cementum and Alveolar Bone

Difference Between Pulp and Dentin

Difference Between Dentin and Alveolar Bone

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