← All explanationsDentine caries

What does decay in the dentine mean?

Dentine caries is a carious lesion that has reached the tissue beneath enamel and around the pulp. Decisions depend on depth, activity, whether the surface has broken down and the condition of the pulp.

For training & practice ↓

Cutaway model with an occlusal lesion extending into dentine and a retained dentine layer over the pulp. — Simplified cutaway model · not a patient case

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Locate the tissue

In a tooth section, dentine lies between enamel and pulp. The name identifies the affected tissue.

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Assess the finding

Symptoms, examination and appropriately indicated radiographs provide complementary information. Lack of pain does not establish lesion depth.

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Plan preservation

Management varies with the findings. Near the pulp, the amount of tissue removed requires particular care.

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Where?

In the dentine.

Always painful?

No.

Next step?

Discuss findings and preservation options.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.

Read the film text in English

Locate the tissue
In a tooth section, dentine lies between enamel and pulp. The name identifies the affected tissue.
Assess the finding
Symptoms, examination and appropriately indicated radiographs provide complementary information. Lack of pain does not establish lesion depth.
Plan preservation
Management varies with the findings. Near the pulp, the amount of tissue removed requires particular care.

Often confused

Enamel, dentine and pulp

Enamel and dentine caries name affected hard tissues. Dentine involvement alone does not establish pulpal disease.

Quick answers

Does it always need root canal treatment?

No. Dentine involvement does not automatically mean that the pulp must be removed.

Can I see the depth in a mirror?

Not reliably. The visible area may not show the full extent inside the tooth.

Is brushing enough?

Good cleaning remains important. Examination determines whether sealing or restoration is also needed.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

How close is the lesion to the pulp, and how does that affect treatment?

Understanding the finding in your own tooth can make treatment choices clearer.

Discuss a caries findingAppointment selection at Doctolib

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Dentine: Hard tissue beneath enamel.
Lesion: A local tissue change.
Cavitation: Breakdown or opening of a surface.

Make the distinction

Enamel and dentine caries name affected hard tissues. Dentine involvement alone does not establish pulpal disease.

Knowledge questionWhat does dentine caries identify?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

The affected tooth tissue.
A pulp that is always dead.
A condition that always hurts.

View answer

The affected tooth tissue.

Depth does not replace assessment of the pulp.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-02. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.