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Dentistry vocabulary · Teeth and Oral Anatomy

Dentin

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/ˈdentɪn/nounCore term

In dentistry, dentin means: The yellowish tissue that forms most of a tooth, lying under the enamel and around the pulp. It contains tiny tubes, so it can feel pain when it is exposed.

In Turkish: dentin

How it is used

Common when talking about how deep decay goes and about sensitivity: caries can reach the dentin, and exposed dentin often causes sharp pain with cold. Researchers talk about dentinal tubules.

Example sentences

  1. The decay has gone through the enamel into the dentin.

  2. Exposed dentine near the gum line explains her sensitivity to cold.

Common collocations

  • exposed dentin
  • dentinal tubules
  • dentin hypersensitivity
  • secondary dentin
  • enamelThe hard, shiny outer layer covering the crown of a tooth. It is the hardest substance in the human body and cannot grow back once it is lost.
  • pulpThe soft tissue in the center of a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It fills the pulp chamber in the crown and the canals in the roots.
  • tooth sensitivityShort, sharp pain in a tooth when it meets cold, heat, sweet food or air, usually because dentin has been exposed by gum recession or wear.
  • cariesDamage to a tooth caused by acids that plaque bacteria make from sugar. It slowly dissolves enamel and dentin and, if untreated, can reach the pulp.

More terms: Teeth and Oral Anatomy

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.