Third International Conference “Physics for Life Sciences” Study of Dentin Structural Features by Computed Microtomography and Transmission Electron Microscopy

Dentin in the human tooth is a natural composite material with a complex multilevel hierarchical structure and consists of micro and nanostructures that are related to each other in a complex interrelation governed by laws that have not been fully understood yet. To identify the relationship between the dentin structure and its mechanical properties, we study samples prepared from human molars after subjecting them to uniaxial compression. Elements of dentin matrix and microtubules passing through it are investigated by transmission electron microscopy and computed microtomography using synchrotron light. Some structural features arising from the interaction between the elements and the dentin tubule properties that lead to arrest of crack propagation are investigated. We develop a theoretical model that can be used to identify the conditions for mode II crack inhibition due to opening of satellite cracks by stresses present on the surface of dentin tubules.