The word "dentinification" refers to the process by which organic material is replaced with dentin, a substance found in teeth. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /dɛntɪnɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/. This 12-letter word is derived from two roots: "dentin," which comes from the Latin word for tooth, and "fication," which comes from the Latin word "facere," meaning to make or to do. While it is not a commonly used word, it is important in the field of dentistry, where it is used to describe certain pathological conditions.
Dentinification is a specialized term used in dentistry to describe the process by which dentin, a hard tissue found beneath the enamel in teeth, undergoes changes or alterations in response to certain external factors or dental procedures. The word is derived from the combination of "dentin," which refers to the calcified tissue forming the bulk of a tooth, and the suffix "-ification," indicating the action of making or becoming.
In specific dental contexts, dentinification typically refers to the stimulation or formation of secondary dentin, a natural reparative response of the tooth to protect its pulp or inner layer. The pulp can become exposed due to various reasons, such as tooth decay, dental trauma, or invasive dental treatments. To shield the pulp from these external insults, the tooth initiates a defense mechanism by depositing secondary dentin. This process involves the dentin-producing cells (odontoblasts) within the pulp actively generating additional dentin matrix, which gradually mineralizes and reinforces the affected area.
Dentinification can vary in scope and extent depending on the underlying cause and the individual patient's response. The newly formed dentin helps to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth by blocking off open dentinal tubules and providing a barrier against further external aggression. Dentists may have different approaches to manage or stimulate dentinification, depending on the individual patient's needs and the extent of pulp exposure. These may include techniques such as indirect pulp capping or direct pulp capping.
The formation of dentine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.