A theoretical model of dentinogenesis: Dentin and dentinal tubule formation

• Published in: Computer methods and programs in biomedicine 2013-10, Vol.112 (1), p.219-227
• Main Authors: Niño-Barrera, Javier L, Gutiérrez, María L, Garzón-Alvarado, Diego A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cell Differentiation; Collagen - metabolism; Collagens; Computer Simulation; Crystals; Dental Models; Dentin; Dentin - growth & development; Dentin - physiology; Dentinal tubules; Dentinogenesis - physiology; Extracellular Matrix Proteins - metabolism; Finite Element Analysis; Finite elements; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Head and neck surgery. Maxillofacial surgery. Dental surgery. Orthodontics; Humans; Hydroxyapatite; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Internal Medicine; Lead (metal); Mathematical modeling; Mathematical models; Maxillofacial surgery. Dental surgery. Orthodontics; Medical sciences; Mineralization; Odontoblasts - cytology; Odontoblasts - physiology; Other; Phosphoproteins - metabolism; Sialoglycoproteins - metabolism; Skeleton and joints; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Three dimensional models; Tooth Calcification - physiology; Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system
• ISSN: 0169-2607; 1872-7565
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2013.06.010

Abstract Introduction Dentinogenesis, odontoblast dentin formation, includes dentinal growth, mineralization and dentinal tubule formation. Odontoblasts synthesize collagen resulting in collagen apposition contributing to dentinogenesis. Furthermore, within the tubule, they express non-collagenous proteins, such as dentin phosphoprotein (DPP), associated with hydroxyapatite crystal formation and growth. The aim of this work was to determine patterns of growth and dentin formation and quantification of its mineralization. Findings from our work are relevant to endodontics for future regenerative treatment. Methods We formulated a 3D domain mathematical model, which recreates the events that lead to dentinal tubule mineralization. As reference we used collagen apposition and DPP activity. Results We obtained a model depicting predentin's mineralization distribution during dentin development. Furthermore, we verified different DPP diffusion coefficients to test the model's sensitivity. Conclusions We present a model to shed light on the process of dentin and dentinal tubule formation, and its relation to diffusion and mineralization processes.