Rate Of Dentine Formation Research Articles

Evolution of amniote dentine apposition rates.

In amniotes, daily rates of dentine formation in non-ever-growing teeth range from less than 1 to over 25 μm per day. The latter value has been suggested to represent the upper limit of odontoblast activity in non-ever-growing teeth, a hypothesis supported by the lack of scaling between dentine apposition rates and body mass in Dinosauria. To determine the correlates and potential controls of dentine apposition rate, we assembled a dataset of apposition rates, metabolic rates and body masses for ca 80 amniote taxa of diverse ecologies and diets. We used phylogenetic regression to test for scaling relationships and reconstruct ancestral states of daily dentine apposition across Amniota. We find no relationship between body mass and daily dentine apposition rate (DDAR) for non-ever-growing teeth in Amniota as a whole or within major clades. Metabolic rate, the number of tooth generations, diet and habitat also do not predict or correspond with DDARs. Similar DDARs are found in large terrestrial mammals, dinosaurs and marine reptiles, whereas primates, cetaceans and some smaller marine reptiles independently evolved exceptionally slow rates. Life-history factors may explain the evolution of dentine apposition rates, which evolved rapidly at the origin of major clades.

Evaluation of the Impact Induced by High Dietary Sucrose Concentration and Glucocorticoid Medication on Dentin Formation of Young Rats

The impact of sucrose and systemic cortisone treatment on the response of dentin was examined in an experimental rat model. After 2 months of a modified diet and/or medication period, the areas of dentin formation and dentinal caries were quantified in the mandibular molars of growing animals. The 60% sucrose diet significantly reduced dentin formation and increased dentinal caries progression. The presence of glucocorticoid medication alone reduced dentin formation. Cortisone medication in combination with sucrose diet further decreased dentin apposition. Rats receiving the control diet positively responded to the dentinal caries by increasing dentin formation to prevent pulpal exposure. The rate of dentine formation was lower in rats with high sucrose diet and predentin area was wider compared to the control group fed normal diet. The enlargement of the predentin region in sucrose diet rats reflects changes in the functionality of the odontoblasts, such as reduction of matrix synthesis and alteration of the mineralization process. These results indicate that the functional alterations in the pulpo-dentinal complex might contribute to dentinal caries progression through systemic mechanism irrespective of the causative factors.

Evaluation of the Impact Induced by High Dietary Sucrose Concentration and Glucocorticoid Medication on Dentin Formation of Young Rats

The impact of sucrose and systemic cortisone treatment on the response of dentin was examined in an experimental rat model. After 2 months of a modified diet and/or medication period, the areas of dentin formation and dentinal caries were quantified in the mandibular molars of growing animals. The 60% sucrose diet significantly reduced dentin formation and increased dentinal caries progression. The presence of glucocorticoid medication alone reduced dentin formation. Cortisone medication in combination with sucrose diet further decreased dentin apposition. Rats receiving the control diet positively responded to the dentinal caries by increasing dentin formation to prevent pulpal exposure. The rate of dentine formation was lower in rats with high sucrose diet and predentin area was wider compared to the control group fed normal diet. The enlargement of the predentin region in sucrose diet rats reflects changes in the functionality of the odontoblasts, such as reduction of matrix synthesis and alteration of the mineralization process. These results indicate that the functional alterations in the pulpo-dentinal complex might contribute to dentinal caries progression through systemic mechanism irrespective of the causative factors. Keywords: diet, sucrose, cortisone, dentin

Essential Roles of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-1 and Mammalian Tolloid-like 1 in Postnatal Root Dentin Formation

IntroductionMutations in the proteinase bone morphogenetic protein-1 (BMP1) were recently identified in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, which can be associated with type 1 dentinogenesis imperfecta. BMP1 is co-expressed in various tissues and has overlapping activities with the closely related proteinase mammalian tolloid-like 1 (TLL1). In this study we investigated whether removing the overlapping activities of BMP1 and TLL1 affects the mineralization of tooth root dentin. MethodsFloxed alleles of the BMP1 and TLL1 genes were excised via ubiquitously expressed Cre induced by tamoxifen treatment beginning at 3 days of age (harvested at 3 weeks of age) or beginning at 4 weeks of age (harvested at 8 weeks of age). Multiple techniques, including x-ray analysis, double-labeling with calcein and alizarin red stains for measurement of dentin formation rate, and histologic and immunostaining assays, were used to analyze the dentin phenotype. ResultsBMP1/TLL1 double knockout mice displayed short and thin root dentin, defects in dentin mineralization, and delayed tooth eruption. Molecular mechanism studies revealed accumulation of collagens in dentin and a sharp reduction in non-collagenous proteins such as dentin matrix protein 1 and dentin sialophosphoprotein. Furthermore, we found a strong reduction in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, which is likely caused by defects in bone cells. ConclusionsBMP1/TLL1 appear to play crucial roles in maintaining extracellular matrix homeostasis essential to root formation and dentin mineralization.

Dental histology of mosasaurs and a marine crocodylian from the Campanian (Upper Cretaceous) of southern Sweden: incremental growth lines and dentine formation rates

AbstractMosasaurs are an extinct group of secondarily adapted aquatic lizards that became the dominant marine tetrapods in the Late Cretaceous oceans. They continuously shed and replaced their teeth in order to maintain a functional dentition at all times; however, the process of tooth development in mosasaurs is still incompletely known. Based on incremental line width measurements and growth line counts, we assess dentine formation rates in three mosasaur taxa (Dollosaurus, cf.PlatecarpusandTylosaurus) and one genus of marine crocodylian (Aigialosuchus), all from the lower Campanian (Upper Cretaceous) of southernmost Sweden. Two sets of periodic dentinal markings characterized by concentric, alternating opaque and transparent laminae are recognized: one set comprising thin bands situated 6–34 μm apart (depending on taxon), which is superimposed onto a second set of coarser bands where spaces vary between 102 and 275 μm. Assuming that the finer striations represent daily increments (i.e. lines of von Ebner), it is estimated that the deposition of dentine at the sectioned level of the tooth-crowns took 342 (cf.Platecarpus), 426 (Dollosaurus), 487 (Tylosaurus) and 259 (Aigialosuchus) days, respectively. The coarser bands contain between 11 and 13 thin striations each, and are thus considered to be homologous to similar periodic dentinal markings in extant vertebrates, i.e. Andresen lines. Prolonged tooth development times in large-toothed taxa, such asTylosaurus, presumably increased the risk of long-term incapacity to capture prey after dental trauma, an evolutionary trade-off which may have been compensated for by allometric modifications of the teeth.

Post-natal Effect of Overexpressed DKK1 on Mandibular Molar Formation

Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) is a potent inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Dkk1-null mutant embryos display severe defects in head induction. Conversely, targeted expression of Dkk1 in dental epithelial cells leads to the formation of dysfunctional enamel knots and subsequent tooth defects during embryonic development. However, its role in post-natal dentinogenesis is largely unknown. To address this issue, we studied the role of DKK1 in post-natal dentin development using 2.3-kb Col1a1-Dkk1 transgenic mice, with the following key findings: (1) The Dkk1 transgene was highly expressed in pulp and odontoblast cells during post-natal developmental stages; (2) the 1st molar displayed short roots, an enlarged pulp/root canal region, and a decrease in the dentin formation rate; (3) a small malformed second molar and an absent third molar; (4) an increase of immature odontoblasts, few mature odontoblasts, and sharply reduced dentinal tubules; and (5) a dramatic change in Osx and nestin expression. We propose that DKK1 controls post-natal mandibular molar dentin formation either directly or indirectly via the inhibition of Wnt signaling at the following aspects: (i) post-natal dentin formation, (ii) formation and/or maintenance of the dentin tubular system, (iii) mineralization of the dentin, and (iv) regulation of molecules such as Osx and nestin.

Disruption of bone development and homeostasis by trisomy in Ts65Dn Down syndrome mice

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder resulting from trisomy 21 that causes cognitive impairment, low muscle tone and craniofacial alterations. Morphometric studies of the craniofacial and appendicular skeleton in individuals with DS suggest that bone development and homeostasis are affected by trisomy. The Ts65Dn mouse model has three copies of approximately half the genes found on human chromosome 21 and exhibits craniofacial skeletal and size differences similar to those observed in humans with DS. We hypothesized that Ts65Dn and euploid mice have distinct differences in bone development and homeostasis influencing both the craniofacial and appendicular skeletal phenotypes. Quantitative assessment of structural and mechanical properties of the femur in Ts65Dn and control mice at 6 and 16 weeks of age revealed significant deficiencies in trabecular and cortical bone architecture, bone mineral density, bone formation, and bone strength in trisomic bone. Furthermore, bone mineral density and dynamic dentin formation rate of the skull and incisor, respectively, were also reduced in Ts65Dn mice, demonstrating that trisomy significantly affects both the craniofacial and appendicular skeleton.

Fructooligosaccharide consumption improves the decreased dentin formation and mandibular defects following gastrectomy in rats

We examined the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) consumption on gastrectomy-evoked osteopenia and disorders of dentin formation in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 28, 35-day old) were equally divided into two groups; sham-operated and gastrectomized, and sham-operation or total gastrectomy was performed. Four weeks after each surgery, the rats were divided into two sub-groups (n = 7 each); with or without 7.5% FOS-feeding for 6 weeks. Backscattered electron images of the mandibular sections were taken to calculate trabecular bone area, cortical bone area and total scan area. Thereafter, the dentin formation rate in maxilla were calculated using a fluorescent microscope. Trabecular bone area and cortical bone area in GX rats were markedly decreased. FOS-feeding significantly counteracted this reduction, but not to the level seen in sham-operated rats. Total scan area in gastrectomized groups was significantly decreased. The dentin formation rate was not statistically different among the groups, except the gastrectomized group. These results suggest that FOS consumption partially restored osteopenia and almost completely restored the reduction in dentin formation following gastrectomy in rats.

Enamel and dentine development and the life history profile of Victoriapithecus macinnesi from Maboko Island, Kenya

Two permanent lower second molar teeth (KNM-MB 19841 and KNM-MB 27844) attributed to Victoriapithecus macinnesi were prepared for histological analysis. A further five male and three female canine teeth were replicated with a silicone impression material and perikymata counts subsequently made on epoxy casts over the whole crown surface. Daily enamel cross striations averaged 6 microm apart in both cuspal and lateral enamel of the molars and the total crown formation times were approximately 1.24 years in the molars and, using the same periodicity determined from the molars, 1.84 and 1.36 years respectively in the male and female canines. Rates of dentine formation matched those known for extant macaques and were used to calculate root extension rates, which averaged 11.5 microm per day over the whole 8 mm root length of KNM-MB 19841. The period between M2 initiation and gingival emergence was estimated to be approximately 1.95 years in Victoriapithecus which is greater than estimates for Cebus albifrons and Chlorocebus aethiops, (which are similar in body mass to Victoriapithecus), but less than estimates made here for several macaque species. A speculative picture of dental development in Victoriapithecus emerges that is slower than that known for modern vervet monkeys and may have been more similar to that in some smaller modern macaque species.

Effects of the antiepileptics phenytoin and zonisamide on dentin formation and bone mineral density of the mandible in growing rats

This study was undertaken to examine the effects of the antiepileptics phenytoin and zonisamide on changes in the mineral density of the incisor and bone mineral density (BMD) of the mandibular head, and on the rate of dentin formation using histomorphometric measurements. After repeated administration of phenytoin or zonisamide to male growing rats, the mineral density of the lower incisors and mandibular head were determined by analyzing microradiographs and dentin formation rates were determined by histomorphometric measurements. Results showed a significant decrease in the mean values of BMD of the mandibular head and lower incisors in groups treated with phenytoin or zonisamide compared with the vehicle-treated group (p < 0.05). The percent rates of decrease in mineral density of the incisors for phenytoin and zonisamide were 6.8% and 4.0%, respectively. Phenytoin and zonisamide significantly reduced the dentin formation rate for the mesial and distal areas compared with the vehicle-treated group. Thus, epileptic children who are treated over a long period with antiepileptics, especially at primary school age, should ensure good oral hygiene so as not to suffer bone loss, edentulism or gingival overgrowth.

A comparative study of cross striation spacings in cuspal enamel and of four methods of estimating the time taken to grow molar cuspal enamel in Pan, Pongo and Homo.

Cusps of three second permanent molar teeth belonging to Pan, Pongo and Homo respectively, were chosen where enamel cross striations were easily observed and measured using polarizing light microscopy. Prisms were tracked outwards on photomontages from the dentine horn to the surface of the tooth just lateral to the central gnarled enamel over the cusp tip. Approximately monthly zones of enamel formation were identified and mean cross striation spacings calculated for each zone within each of the three cusps and for the whole of each cusp in total. Enamel secretion rates ranged from 2.5 to 6.5 microns per day with an overall mean value in Pan and Homo of 4 microns per day and of 4.4 microns per day in Pongo for the cuspal enamel. Two of these cusps (of Pan and Pongo) and another of a third permanent molar of Homo were selected for further analysis. Four methods were employed to estimate cuspal enamel formation time. (i) Total counts of enamel cross striations were made through the lateral cuspal enamel on photomontages. The points in the dentine and at the enamel dentine junction (EDJ) corresponding to the end of cuspal enamel formation were defined using incremental and accentuated markings. (ii) Measurements of the average daily rates of dentine formation in each cusp were divided by the length of the axial cuspal dentine formed to give the time of cuspal dentine formation. (iii) A cumulative prism length was calculated close to the EDJ to the end of cuspal enamel formation and divided by the mean cross striation repeat interval along the EDJ to give an estimate of cuspal enamel formation time. (iv) A cumulative time for cuspal enamel formation along the EDJ was calculated by summing successive extension rates for known lengths of the EDJ. This was computed using the formula derived by Shellis (Archs. oral Biol. 29: 697-705, 1984) based on the average daily rate of enamel secretion, the angle of the prisms to the EDJ and the angle of the incremental lines to the EDJ. Each of these methods gave results to within 5% or 10% of a average value for cuspal enamel formation time derived for each cusp. There was no clear indication of additional enamel decussation in any of the cusps studied beyond that recorded in the total counts of cross striations as the prisms were tracked in two dimensions through the lateral cuspal enamel. The results of this study suggest that any one of the methods outlined here may give equivalent estimates of cuspal enamel formation if suitable incremental markings exist in the region being studied.

Incremental lines of von Ebner in dinosaurs and the assessment of tooth replacement rates using growth line counts.

Dinosaur dentine exhibits growth lines that are tens of micrometers in width. These laminations are homologous to incremental lines of von Ebner found in extant mammal and crocodilian teeth (i.e., those of amniotes). The lines likely reflect daily dentine formation, and they were used to infer tooth development and replacement rates. In general, dinosaur tooth formation rates negatively correlated with tooth size. Theropod tooth replacement rates negatively correlated with tooth size, which was due to limitations in the dentine formation rates of their odontoblasts. Derived ceratopsian and hadrosaurian dinosaurs retained relatively rapid tooth replacement rates through ontogeny. The evolution of dental batteries in hadrosaurs and ceratopsians can be explained by dentine formation constraints and rapid tooth wear. In combination with counts of shed dinosaur teeth, tooth replacement rate data can be used to assess population demographics of Mesozoic ecosystems. Finally, it is of historic importance to note that Richard Owen appears to have been the first to observe incremental lines of von Ebner in dinosaurs more than 150 years ago.

The relation between long-period incremental markings in dentine and daily cross-striations in enamel in human teeth

Ground sections of human permanent teeth were chosen where fluorescent labels in the dentine, resulting from repeated doses of tetracycline antibiotic, were unambiguously associated with accentuated markings in the enamel developing at the same time. Counts of daily cross-striations in enamel were continued from one tooth to another in a developmental sequence over a period of some 1200 days such that the time interval between doses of tetracycline could be calibrated. Long-period incremental markings in the dentine, spaced on average between 15 and 30 μm apart (and first described by Andresen in 1898) were easily visible in the coronal dentine when the ground sections were viewed with polarized light. The total number of long-period incremental markings in the dentine between the consecutive fluorescent labels was also counted. A regression plot of daily incremental lines in enamel against long-period lines in dentine demonstrated a regular and consistent relation between the two ( r = 0.997) over a 1200–1300-day period. These data support the hypothesis that long-period markings in dentine are in fact regular incremental markings with a constant periodicity in an individual. They also suggest that regular long-period markings in dentine can be used to reconstruct the timing of tooth growth or to retrieve developmental information about dentine formation rates in forensic, archaeological and palaeontological studies with some confidence.

Rates of dentine mineralization in permanent human teeth

AbstractPrevious experimental studies have estimated linear rates of dentine formation in modern humans to be close to 4μm day−1. In this study a method similar to that first adopted by Kawasaki, Tanaka and Ishikawa5 was used to estimate linear rates of dentine mineralization over a period of 1200 days in both the cusps and cervical regions of several permanent tooth types. All teeth were from the same individual. Rates in the cusps of teeth with the tallest crowns were estimated to be between 5 μm day−1 and 6 μm day−1. This is higher than previous estimates in permanent tooth crowns, although rates in the cusp of a first permanent molar, where cusps were less tall and cuspal dentine therefore less thick, were close to previous estimates of 4 μm day−1. Despite this variation in cuspal rates, mineralization rates were linear in all cusps studied over a long period of time. Rates in the cervical region, either close to the enamel dentine junction or to the cement dentine junction, were estimated to be between 1.3 μm day−1 and 1.5 μm day11, much slower than reported previously. Rates in the mid‐portion of the dentine, in both the lateral part of the crown and in the cervical one‐third of the root, rose steadily to match rates in the cuspal region, but then slowed towards the pulp chamber. These data extend the findings of previous studies on permanent human dentine. They demonstrate a wide range of mineralization rates in permanent dentine and provide a more secure basis for judging different rates in different locations of different human tooth types.

Morphological analysis of dentine formation in young rat molars during the recovery phase with calcium alone or combined with xylitol following a low-calcium dietary regimen

The effects of dietary calcium deficiency and subsequent replenishment of the diet with calcium alone or with xylitol were studied. Thirty 3-week-old Wistar rats were labelled with an i.p. tetracycline injection. Twenty rats were fed a diet with 0.026% calcium (Ca-deficient); 10 received a 0.5% Ca diet (controls). After 3 weeks the tetracycline labelling was repeated. Replenishment of the diet was introduced for Ca-deficient rats, and 10 received additional 5% xylitol in the diet. After 4 weeks the labelling was repeated and the animals were decapitated. Dentine formation was measured by the tetracycline stripes in the lower first and second molars. Calcium deficiency during the first 3 weeks reduced dentine formation. In the control and xylitol groups, a much smaller amount of dentine was formed during the recovery period. With Ca alone, dentine formation was faster than in the controls or Ca-xylitol group and did not differ from the Ca-deficient period. These results indicate that in rat molars the odontoblasts can accelerate the rate of dentine formation when calcium is restored to the diet, at least during primary dentinogenesis. This effect was not seen when 5% xylitol was added to the replenishment diet.

Inhibition of prostanoid synthesis depresses alveolar bone resorption but enhances root resorption in the rat.

Tooth drift requires the deformation of the root socket and the adjustment of the other components of the attachment apparatus, namely, the periodontal ligament (PDL) and the cementum. Indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg/d), an inhibitor of prostanoid synthesis, provoked in rats a depression in the bone resorption effecting the deformation of the socket (Lasfargues and Saffar, Anat. Rec., 234:310-316, 1992). In the present paper we examined the consequence of this treatment both on the PDL and the root surface. After 3 days of treatment, when osteoclastic resorption was not yet disturbed, the root had been markedly resorbed (P < 0.05) opposite the resorbing bone surface; at that time the PDL width remained in the normal range. After 7 days, i.e., when the bone resorption was depressed, the PDL was widened as the result of the ongoing root resorption. Despite the extensive root resorption, the anchorage of the PDL fibers appeared to remain effective, suggesting that it was rapidly restored. On day 14 at the time of the bone resorption recovery, cementum was deposited in the root resorption lacunae and the PDL width had returned to its control value. As early as day 3 the daily rate of dentine formation increased in the pulp area subjacent to the root resorption lacunae (P < 0.01). These data demonstrate that i) the responses of the different components of the periodontal apparatus are coordinated to allow for the maintainance of the PDL width so that when bone resorption is disturbed, root resorption compensates for it, and ii) the odontoclasts can differentiate and resorb under prostanoid inhibition whilst osteoclastic resorption of the bone socket is inhibited.

Daily rates of dentine formation in macaque tooth roots

AbstractWhen tetracycline antibiotics are administered either orally or by injection they bind at the forming mineral front of the dentine and become incorporated into teeth as a permanent label. In this study, oxytetracycline was used as a label in order to investigate the growth of root dentine in macaques. There are no good data available in the literature for daily rates of root dentine formation over a prolonged period of time in either humans or macaques. Records of ten doses of oxytetracycline administered orally at irregular intervals (but at the same time of day) over a period of 10 months to a young rhesus macaque monkey (Macaca mulatta) were used to calculate the rate of dentine formation in tooth roots. Rates of dentine formation in the first portion of third permanent molar root formation, and in the apical portion of permanent canine and premolar root formation, were consistently between 3 μm and 4 μm per day. There was no evidence in this study of a gradual decrease in daily dentine formation rate from the crown to the root, or along the length of a dentine tubule through the bulk of the dentine, as has been implied previously. With the exception of faster rates recorded in cusps or slower rates recorded at the very beginning or very end of primary dentine secretion in other studies, the results of the present study suggest a consistent rate of dentine formation in permanent macaque teeth. What data there are for human dentine formation rates suggests that it is likely this finding can be extended to human dentine as well.

The rate of incisor dentine calcification and of mandibular growth in the molar region of the ovariectomized rat

In 14 ovariectomized and 15 control rats, killed at intervals over a 117-day period, the height of the mandible in the molar region was determined radiographically. Mandibular height was significantly related to time after operation in both groups, but their rate of mandibular growth was not significantly different. In a separate study, the rate of dentine formation in the right mandibular incisor of 9 ovariectomized and 10 control rats was calculated from the distance between two fluorescent labels injected at known time intervals. The rate of dentine apposition was measured at 117 and 201 days after ovariectomy. In both groups, the distance between the fluorescent labels was significantly correlated with the time interval between the injections. There was no significant difference between the rate of dentine calcification in either group. Transient changes in dentine apposition may have occurred post-ovariectomy which would be undetected at either 117 or 201 days after operation. There was thus no evidence for an effect of ovariectomy on either the rate of mandibular growth or dentine apposition.

Studies of the effect of colchicine and vinblastine on dentinogenesis in rat incisors

The action of microtubule inhibitors on dentine matrix formation, was investigated in the present study. The following experiments were carried out:(Exp.1) The effect of vinblastine (VB), colchicine(Col) and lumicolchicine(L-col) on the rate of dentine formation was determined by chronologically-labelling dentine with the lead salt of EDTA before and after the intravenous administration of the test drugs. (Exp.2) The effect of Col and VB on the incorporation of [3H ]-proline into odontoblasts and on the secretion of the radioactive materials from odontoblasts into dentinal matrices were studied autoradio-graphically at 2,4,8 and 24 hr after the injection of the test drugs. Col and VB produced a dose-dependent inhibition of dentine formation. No such effect was found in L-col, an isomer of Col lacking the ability to bind to microtubules. Although the log dose-response lines of Col and VB were parallel, the effect of VB was more potent. The relative potency ratio of VB to Col was estimated to be 1.25-1.70(95 percent confidence interval). These results suggest that both Col and VB may act at the same site, i.e. microtubules, thereby inhibiting the secretion of new dentine matrix. The results of Exp. 2, however, imply that there are some differences between Col and VB in the effects on the synthesis and the secretion of dentine matrix. The difference between the effect of the two drugs may depend on their different binding action with microtubules.

Comparison of the effect of colchicine and vinblastine on the inhibition of dentinogenesis in rat incisors

The quantitative effect of vinblastine, colchicine and lumicolchicine on the rate of dentine formation was determined by chronologically-labelling dentine with the lead salt of EDTA, before and after the intravenous administration of the test drug. Colchicine and vinblastine produced a dose-dependent inhibition of dentine formation. Lumicolchicine had no adverse effect. Although the log dose-response lines of colchicine and vinblastine were parallel, the effect of vinblastine was more potent. The relative potency ratio of vinblastine to colchicine was 1.25–1.70. These results suggest that both colchicine and vinblastine may act at the same site, i.e. microtubules, thereby inhibiting the secretion of new dentine matrix.