Where is dentine located?
It lies beneath the crown's enamel and beneath the root cementum. Dentine forms most of the crown and root and surrounds the tooth's soft interior.
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What lies beneath the enamel?
Dentine forms most of the tooth. In the crown, it lies beneath enamel; in the root, beneath cementum. It surrounds the soft tissue inside the tooth and contains very fine tubules.
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Dentine forms the bulk of the tooth
Dentine lies beneath the outer protective layers. It forms most of the crown and root and surrounds the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth.
Fine tubules run through dentine
Dentine contains tiny, fluid-filled tubules connected to the inside of the tooth. Exposed areas can therefore respond sensitively to external stimuli.
Dentine is not the tooth's nerve
Dentine is hard tooth tissue. The pulp inside contains nerves and blood vessels, among other components. If there is sensitivity, an assessment establishes which structures are affected.
At a glance
Why can it be sensitive?
Dentine contains very fine, fluid-filled tubules connected to the inside of the tooth. When exposed, cold or touch can cause discomfort.
Is dentine the same as the tooth's nerve?
Dentine is hard, mineralised tissue. Nerves and blood vessels are instead found in the soft pulp inside the tooth.
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Often confused
Dentine or pulp?
Dentine is the hard layer around the tooth's interior. Pulp is the soft tissue within, with its blood supply. The two are functionally connected.
Quick answers
Is dentine only found in the crown?
No. Dentine also forms most of the root. There, it is covered externally by cementum.
Does exposed dentine always hurt?
No. It may be sensitive to cold, touch or other stimuli, but does not have to be. Symptoms alone do not reliably identify the cause.
Is dentine the same as the nerve?
No. Dentine is mineralised tooth tissue. Nerves and blood vessels are found in the soft tissue inside the tooth, the pulp.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Is dentine exposed at the sensitive site, and which other causes should be checked?
An examination and discussion of your personal concern come before treatment planning.
Questions about sensitive teeth can be assessed in a personal consultation.
Have your teeth examinedChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Dentine
- Mineralised tissue forming most of the tooth crown and root.
- Dentinal tubules
- Very fine, fluid-filled channels in dentine connected to the inside of the tooth.
- Odontoblasts
- Dentine-forming cells at the outer edge of the pulp.
Know the difference
Dentine is mineralised tissue around the pulp. Its fine tubules are not the same as the much larger root canals.
Sources and context
Editorial research: 22 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.