[The physiological and pathological role of some organic dentine and enamel structures]

The enamel is the toughest human tissue. The major component of the inorganic part is hydroxyl apatite (90-92%). The organic part of enamel is formed by proteins, proteoglycans and lipoids, and represents only 1-2% of the entire weight. The organic components are organized, forming histological structures like enamel lamellae, enamel rods sheaths, enamel spindles and tufts. The authors, with the aid of the scanning electron microscope and histochemical staining, have demonstrated that enamel lamellae presented a true histological structure, contrary to some opinions that consider this entities developmental failures or simple cracks. In the opinion of the authors, these lamellae confer elasticity to the enamel when exposed to lateral or tangential forces, or even torque. The lamellae are also considered pathways for the progression of dental caries. The dentine-enamel junction is another non-mineralized tooth-structure which functions like an elastic support for the tough enamel, opposing unfortunately a very low resistance in the face of dental caries progression. In such cases we talk about secondary enamel caries. The dentinal tubules with the organic structures inside are essential in maintaining the vitality of the dentine and enamel; but in pathological circumstances they represent pathways for pathological stimuli heading toward the pulp, and they are the weakest points in front of caries progression.