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Theories Of Mineralization

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Mineralization is a Process taking place in all the calcified structures in the body like the bone & enamel.

It is defined as the deposition of the mineral salts in and around the organic matrix to make it a calcified structure.

The mineralization process is based on 2 mechanisms:

  1. Booster Mechanism
  2. Seeding mechanism

And it is explained with the help of 3 Theories:

  1. Booster Theory
  2. Seeding Theory
  3. Matrix Vesicle Theory

The theories explain the process of mineralization in different ways, so lets know about them:

Boosters Mechanism: According to this theory due to the concentration/action of the enzymes the concentration of the calcium and phosphate ions which are building stones of mineralization increases to such a level that would lead to their precipitation.

Seeding Mechanism: It refers to a presence of a seeding or nucleating substance which acts a mould (or) template on which the crystals are deposited, the seeding substance resemble apatite crystals.

Matrix Vesicle  theory: This theory states that, due to the presence of vesicles containing apatite crystals near each cartilage cell which aggregate and form a matrix which is mineralized. 

Now going into the details of each Mechanism:

Booster Mechanism: There are 2 theories which explain this mechanism of mineralization

Robinson’s Phosphatase theory: According to him the presence of alkaline phosphatase releases the ions which take part mineralization and increases their concentration to such a level that their precipitation is seen.

Objections: As alkaline phosphatase is present even in tissues which do not calcify.

Cartier’s theory: According to him there are 2 types of substances which inhibit and one which induce the process, so with proper control of their concentrations the mineralization takes place.

Inducer: Adenosine triphosphate

Inhibitor: Pyrophosphates

Seeding Theory : It was made on account of the shortcomings of the booster theory, and the experimental studies revealed collagen to act as a seed, with apetite crystals forming on the collagen fibers.

The possible seeding substances are:

  1. Collagen
  2. Chondroitin sulphate
  3. Phosphoproteins

Matrix Vesicle Theory: According to this theory, due to the presence of vesicles containing apatite crystals near each cartilage cell which aggregate and form a matrix which is mineralized.

There are 2 types of vesicles:

Type I Vesicles: These are substances extruded from the cartilage cells.

                              Cause breakdown of proteoglycans and GAG.

Type II Vesicles: These are detached pieces of cartilage cells, are bounded by trilamellar   membrane.

                                Promote mineralization by a blend of booster and seeding mechanisms.

Comments

  1. Your explanations and descriptions of the theories of Mineralization are easy to follow. For a future dentist, such as myself, having this kind of information presented in an easy to understand way is invaluable! Thank you for the resource.

  7. thanks a lot. this helped me learn an important long note frequently asked in exams. :-)

  13. thank a lot…. ur explnation is absolutely gd and quite easy to understand…would like to see more topics ahead…

  15. Hai .. these theories are simplified and are very helpful but I want to know them in detail . Can u provide the reference for the theories mentioned? Kindly help..

  20. Doctor can you enlighten about the effects of tetracycline on deciduous and permanent teeth in kids

  21. Tooth staining/discoloration due to Tetracycline is influenced by dose, length of treatment or exposure, stage of tooth mineralization (or calcification) and degree of activity of the mineralization process.

    The yellowish discoloration caused due to the use of Tetracycline is Intrinsic or permanent and can vary from yellow or gray to brown.

    If the teeth are exposed to tetracycline (whether inside the mothers womb or out of utero) during tooth mineralization or calcification, the tetracycline will bind to calcium ions in the developing teeth.

    initial fluorescent yellow discoloration is seen on teeth when the exposure of Tetracycline is done prior to the eruption of the teeth through the gingiva (gums). When the teeth erupt and are exposed to light, the discoloration starts due to oxidation of Tetracycline which is attached to calcium. The color changes from fluorescent yellow to a nonfluorescent brown over a period of months to years.

  22. It is very easy to understand the concept really it helped me a lot
    Iam so happy for this
    Tq?

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