Dentine is produced by dentine-forming cells known as odontoblasts. Odontoblasts (and therefore dentine) are always derived from neural crest cells (Box 1.3). Dentine, like enamel, is produced in two sequential phases.

What are dentin forming cells called?

Odontoblasts are specialized cells that produce dentin and exhibit unique morphological characteristics; i.e., they extend cytoplasmic processes into dentinal tubules.

How dentin is formed?

Dentin formation is initiated by the odontoblasts of the pulp. Dentin comes from the dental papilla of the tooth germ. Unlike enamel, dentin forms throughout your life. The growth of dentin can be initiated from stimuli, such as tooth decay or attrition.