Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which cells are responsible for the production of dentin in a tooth?

1. Osteoblasts

2. Cementoblasts

3. Odontoblasts

4. Ameloblasts

The correct answer is: Odontoblasts

The cells responsible for the production of dentin in a tooth are odontoblasts. These specialized cells are located at the outer edge of the dental pulp and play a crucial role during tooth development and maintenance. Odontoblasts originate from the dental papilla during tooth formation and extend their processes into the dentinal tubules, where they contribute to the secretion of dentin matrix. Dentin serves as the primary structural component of the tooth, beneath the enamel and above the pulp chamber. The activity of odontoblasts not only aids in the formation of dentin during the development of a tooth but also continues to be important in the teeth's ability to respond to stimuli and injuries throughout life. The continuous production of dentin helps protect the pulp and maintain the health of the tooth. Osteoblasts, on the other hand, are involved in bone formation, not dentin. Cementoblasts are responsible for producing cementum, the mineralized substance that covers the root of a tooth. Ameloblasts are responsible for enamel formation, which is the hard, outer layer of the tooth. Each of these cells has distinct roles in dental anatomy and health, underscoring the importance of odontoblasts in the context of dentin production.