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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 gumline (the crown of the tooth); dentin in the root of the tooth is covered by hard connective tissue called cementum.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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