DEVELOPMENT AND PHYSIOLOGIC PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIC MATTER OF ENAMEL

¹ Department of Oral Pathology and Dental Research, Baylor University College of Dentistry, Dallas, Tex.

The organic fibres of the prism sheaths and tufts are those parts of the enamel which remain in the early matrix stage, resisting acid action. These organic fibres fix the prisms to each other, and the enamel to the dentin.

The peculiar course of prism groups in some parts render improbable the concept that each prism is formed by one ameloblast in its entire length. It is suggested that in such areas the rods are crystallization products of the homogeneous mass of early matrix formation.

Four phases in enamel formation must be differentiated: First, the uncalcified pre-enamel formation (Saunders, Nuckolls and Frisbie); secondly, the first calcification resulting in the formation of the homogeneous matrix; thirdly, differentiation of the prisms in the matrix stage by additional calcification of the prisms; fourth, the final maturation of the enamel (Diamond and Weinmann).