Odontoblasts

Odontoblasts (from Greek odous – tooth and blastos – sprout) are highly specialized cells of mesenchymal origin, the main function of which is to form and maintain the structure of dentin. Odontoblast bodies are located at the periphery of the dental pulp, forming a protective layer at the border with dentin.

Etiology and pathophysiology

Odontoblasts synthesize dentin throughout the life of the tooth. Each cell has a long outgrowth (Thoms fiber) that runs through the entire dentin thickness inside the dentin tubules. In the event of external irritation (caries, abnormal abrasion), odontoblasts begin to produce tertiary dentin at an accelerated rate in an attempt to move the pulp chamber away from the focus of damage.

Clinical significance

Odontoblasts and their outgrowths play a key role in the pain sensitivity of dentin. The viability of the odontoblast layer determines the success of conservative treatment of reversible pulpitis: if the cells are viable, they are able to create a reliable biological barrier that avoids nerve removal and canal filling.