DentinoPrädentinGrenze

DentinoPrädentinGrenze, commonly referred to in English as the dentin–predentin boundary, designates the microscopic interface between predentin and mature dentin within a tooth. It lies just inside the odontoblast layer and marks the mineralization front during dentinogenesis.

Predentin is the organic non-mineralized matrix produced by odontoblasts. It contains type I collagen and non-collagenous proteins such as dentin sialophosphoprotein and dentin matrix protein 1. Mineral deposition begins at the border with predentin and advances outward, gradually converting predentin into mineralized dentin.

Histological features: The boundary may appear as a subtle transition zone; under light microscopy it may show a pale predentin layer adjacent to a more eosinophilic dentin. Advanced imaging or special stains can reveal the mineralization front and the arrangement of dentinal tubules that radiate from the odontoblast layer.

Developmental and clinical significance: The dentino–predentin boundary reflects active dentinogenesis in growing teeth and during reparative dentin formation after injury. Changes in the thickness or clarity of the boundary can occur with aging, caries, or restorative procedures, influencing dentin permeability and pulp response.

Terminology: The term is used in German dental literature as Dentin-Predentin-Grenze or similar variants; in English texts it is usually described as the dentin–predentin border or interface.