Odontoblast morphology and dental repair

Objectives. To investigate the changes in morphology and activity of pulp odontoblasts in response to cavity restoration variables and patient factors. Methods. Class V non exposed cavities were prepared in the intact 1st or 2nd premolar teeth of 27 patients, aged between 9 and 17 years-old. Following tooth extraction, the area of reactionary dentine and the area of the odontoblasts were measured using computerised histomorphometry. Results. The cytoplasm to nucleus ratio of the odontoblasts was found to increase beneath cut dentinal tubules, following the secretion of reactionary dentine. However, none of the patient or preparation variables were found to be correlated with changes in the odontoblast cytoplasm to nucleus ratio. Conclusions. Morphological changes in human odontoblasts is directly related to their capacity to repair dentine injuries and provide pulp protection. Changes in odontoblast morphology reflect secretory activity.