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[Maturation of enamel and tooth eruption]
1Zentrums für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg.
Deutsche Stomatologie (Berlin, Germany : 1990)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Tooth enamel maturation, crucial for preventing cavities, takes longer than previously thought, extending over five years post-eruption. This prolonged posteruptive maturation process differs significantly from enamel remineralization.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Biomineralization
- Tooth Development
Context:
- The tertiary maturation of erupting teeth is a critical but lengthy process.
- Existing literature underestimates the time required for complete tooth maturation.
- Maturation completion may correlate with reduced caries activity in late adolescence.
Purpose:
- To analyze the stages of posteruptive tooth maturation using advanced microscopy and microhardness testing.
- To compare the maturation process in human and other mammalian teeth, including ruminants.
- To investigate the mineralization timeline of the outer enamel surface post-eruption.
Summary:
- Analysis of human and mammalian teeth revealed that enamel mineralization on the outer surface takes over five years after eruption.
- This extended maturation period suggests a distinct biological process compared to enamel remineralization.
- Ruminant teeth may not achieve the same level of maturation due to unique physiological conditions.
Impact:
- Findings challenge current understanding of tooth maturation timelines and its duration.
- Highlights the prolonged posteruptive enamel development, potentially influencing caries susceptibility.
- Differentiates maturating mineralization from remineralization, with implications for dental treatments and research.