crystaline material that is the hardest calcified tissue in the human body
enamel
composition of enamel
96% inorganic
1% organic
3% water
true or false. Enamel is avascular, and has no nerves.
true
true or false. enamel is vital and renewable.
false. enamel is nonvital and nonrenewable
what are the main functions of enamel?
mastication
speech
whiteness/aesthetics
the process of enamel matrix formation that occurs during the apposition stage of tooth development
amelogenesis
where do ameloblast cells come from? And what type of cells are they?
the IEE
columnar cells
the secratory surface of the ameloblast that faces the dentinoenamel junction. It secrete's the enamel matrix (pooper)
tome's process
enamel matrix that is first formed in the incisal/occlusal portio of the future crown near the forming DEJ, by ameloblasts pumping calcium hydroxyapatite into the forming enamel matrix secreted by the tome's process. A partially mineralized state.
first wave of enamel apposition
when does the enamel matrix complete its mineralization process?
during the maturation stage, after the apposition of enamel matrix, when it is 30% mineralized
true or false. enamel mineralization continues after eruption of the tooth.
true
what is the function of ameloblasts during the maturation of enamel matrix?
continue to actively pump more calcium hydroxyapatite into the partially mineralized enamel, and withdraw an equal amount of organic materials at the same time.
what are 3 clinical considerations to look for in accordance to the apposition stage of enamel development?
enamel pearls
enamel dysplasia
weak areas of pits and grooves that are very susceptible to biofilm
what happens to ameloblasts when they are finished with both enamel apposition and maturation?
they become part of the reduced enamel epithelium
what is the function of REE in regards to tooth eruption?
it fuses with the oral mucosa, creating a canal to allow the enamel cusp tip to erupt through the oral mucosa into the oral cavity
what is Nasmith's membrane?
the residue that is left behind from the old ameloblast cells that are no more once the tooth has erupted
true or false. mineralization of emanel continues to occur after eruption of the tooth. If so, why?
true
de to deposition of minerals such as flouride and calcium from saliva
the crystaline structural unit of enamel
enamel rods
what dictates the shape of the enamel rod?
Tome's process
how big are enamel rods in diameter?
4 micrometers
outer region surrounding each enamel rod. Region that gets 'bleached'
inerprismatic region
slight ridges that extedn mesial to distal in the cervical third on certain teeth
imbrication lines
incremental lines in preparation of mature enamal, they are microscopic and developmental
lines of Retzius
grooves in between imbrication lines evident on some teeth
perimykata
What are some things that can attribute to hard tissue/enamel loss?
attrition-tooth wearing
erosion-wearing away by chemicals from within or wihout (vomiting)
