Dentin

Dentin is the middle layer of a tooth. It is made of hard minerals and protects the pulp (the inner core of the tooth) from external conditions such as heat and cold.

Dentin is covered by enamel above the gum line (the crown of the tooth). Dentin in the root of the tooth is covered by hard connective tissue called cementum.

Credits

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: June 14, 2011
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry

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