Crystal growth in matrix vesicles of permanent tooth germs in kittens

Dentinogenesis of permanent tooth germs in kittens was examined in a transmission electron microscope. Crystals of various sizes (3-30 A in width) appeared in the matrix vesicles. Electron diffractional features revealed that crystal size in electron micrographs reflected various stages of crystal growth. Pairs of small crystals and dislocated crystals were observed in some crystal-containing matrix vesicles. However, these matrix vesicles were not observed in unmineralized matrix just adjacent to calcifying fronts and in mineralized dentin. Furthermore, long crystals were abundant in mature dentin. These findings suggest that crystal growth in matrix vesicles is due to fusion and that dentin maturation progresses through crystal growth along the long axis.