Dentine: Composition, Properties, and Similarity to Bone

Dentine.

Dentine is a hard, calcified tissue that makes up most of the tooth. It is similar to bone in composition, but it is harder and more brittle. Dentine is composed of approximately 70% inorganic material, primarily hydroxyapatite, and 30% organic material, including collagen and other proteins. The inorganic material gives dentine its hardness and strength, while the organic material provides flexibility and resilience. Dentine is avascular, meaning it does not contain blood vessels, and it is innervated by a network of nerves that transmit sensations of pain, heat, and cold.