The seeded growth of calcium phosphates on dentin and predentin.

The in vitro mineralization of predentin (PD) and of the organic component of dentin (OD) has been studied in a supersaturated solution of calcium phosphate at 37 C and pH=7.4 at total calcium and phosphate concentrations close to those in vivo. The mineralization of OD can be divided into at least three periods based upon the morphology and the specific surface area of the mineral phase formed. Dissolution of the newly precipitated mineral on OD revealed a stoichiometry close to that for octacalcium phosphate. In contrast, PD was ineffective as a crystal nucleator. The mineralization of the inorganic component of dentin (ID) and whole dentin (D) has also been examined.