Which dentin type is known as reparative dentin?

Which dentin type is known as reparative dentin?

• A. Primary dentin
• B. Secondary dentin
• C. Tertiary dentin (reparative dentin)
• D. Sclerotic dentin

Answer: (C)

Reparative dentin is a form of tertiary dentin produced in response to injury. When the tooth is irritated or damaged, the pulp may trigger odontoblasts to lay down dentin; if the original odontoblasts are damaged or die, odontoblast-like cells take over and form reparative dentin at the pulp–dentin border. This new dentin is part of the tooth’s defensive response to protect the pulp, and it is typically produced after eruption as a reaction to injury, infection, or decay. Primary dentin forms during tooth development before eruption, and secondary dentin forms slowly after eruption as a normal, continued process. Sclerotic dentin is mineral-filled tubules from aging or mild caries, not a reparative response. Therefore, the dentin known as reparative dentin is tertiary dentin.

Reparative dentin is a form of tertiary dentin produced in response to injury. When the tooth is irritated or damaged, the pulp may trigger odontoblasts to lay down dentin; if the original odontoblasts are damaged or die, odontoblast-like cells take over and form reparative dentin at the pulp–dentin border. This new dentin is part of the tooth’s defensive response to protect the pulp, and it is typically produced after eruption as a reaction to injury, infection, or decay. Primary dentin forms during tooth development before eruption, and secondary dentin forms slowly after eruption as a normal, continued process. Sclerotic dentin is mineral-filled tubules from aging or mild caries, not a reparative response. Therefore, the dentin known as reparative dentin is tertiary dentin.