Odontoblasts

Odontoblasts (from Greek odous — tooth and blastos — germ) are highly specialized cells of mesenchymal origin, whose primary function is the formation and maintenance of dentin structure. The cell bodies of odontoblasts are located at the periphery of the dental pulp, forming a protective layer at the dentin boundary.

Etiology and pathophysiology

Odontoblasts synthesize dentin throughout the life of the tooth. Each cell has a long process (Tomes’s process) that extends through the entire thickness of the dentin within dental tubules. Upon external stimulation (caries, pathological wear), odontoblasts begin to rapidly produce tertiary dentin, attempting to move the pulp chamber away from the damage site.

Clinical significance

Odontoblasts and their processes play a crucial role in the formation of dentin’s pain sensitivity. The vitality of the odontoblast layer determines the success of conservative treatment of reversible pulpitis: if the cells are viable, they can form a reliable biological barrier, avoiding nerve removal and canal filling.