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Ameloblast: An Enigmatic Cell in Enamel Formation
Authors: Dr. Bhuvan Nagpal Post Graduate Student Dept. of Oral Pathology & Microbiology JSS Dental College & Hospital, JSS University, Mysuru, Karnataka, India Dr. Usha Hegde Professor & Head Dept. of Oral Pathology & Microbiology JSS Dental College & Hospital, JSS University, Mysuru, Karnataka, India Dr. Archana S. Post Graduate Student Dept. of Oral Pathology & Microbiology JSS Dental College & Hospital, JSS University, Mysuru, Karnataka, India Dr. Abhishek Ghosh Assistant Professor Dept. of Public Health Dentistry Mithila Minority Dental College & Hospital Mansukh Nagar, Darbhanga, Bihar, India Dr. Anupam Nagpal BDS Intern Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College & Research Centre Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Formation of teeth is a complex process involving many cells and biochemical interactions. Tooth is made up of both hard and soft
tissues derived ectodermally and ectomesenchymally. Enamel is the hardest tissue of the human body, forming the outermost covering
of the crown of all deciduous and permanent dentition. It is also the only ectodermally derived structure of the tooth, formed by the
ameloblast cells of the enamel organ of the tooth bud. Ameloblasts are unique cells in that they not only help in the synthesis of the
organic matrix of enamel but also aid in its removal making way for deposition of minerals during its maturation. Once their functions
are over, these cells cease and hence are not seen in fully formed teeth.