[Transparent dentinal sclerosis and its clinical significance].

Localisation, extension, age dependence and permeability of the translucent zones in different progression stages of the dentine caries were examined by light microscopy, histochemical methods and dye penetration on ground sections, thin-ground sections and decalcified material of extracted human teeth. This phenomenon is observed in every age and more interpreted as a passive chemical precipitation than a protective activity of the pulp-dentine-system. As it is developed incompletely, it represents at most a relative, but not a proof protection from penetrating noxious actions.