Histology of dentin / Dentinal tubules and dead tracks

When dentin is viewed under microscope following structural features are identified:

1. Dentinal tubules

2. Peritubular dentin

3. Intertubular dentin

4. Interglobular dentin

5. Incremental growth lines

6. Granular layer of tomes

1. Dentinal Tubules:

Canaliculi which contains the odontoblastic processes are known as dentinal tubules. Dentinal tubules extend throughout the entire thickness of the dentin from dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) to pulp periphery.

They have a S-path and number range from 59,000 to 76,000 per square millimeter at the pulpal surface.

Dead track:

Tubules in carious lesion are filled with bacteria and appears darkly stained in histologic section known as dead track. 

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