This book addresses the structural and biological properties of dental and peridental tissue structures and covers their mineralization process. The book contains a description of dentines, cementum, enamel and bone, including collagens, as well as non-collagenous proteins (SIBLINGs, SLRPs, GAGs, PGs, lipids, and MMPs).

The mechanisms of mineralization are described in detail and the book is focused on matrix vesicles, collagen mineralization and the role of non-collagenous extracellular matrix components either as promoters or inhibitors of mineralization. In addition, the matrix components (non-collagenous) of enamel (amelogenin, ameloblastin, enamelin, MMP4, MMP20 and other proteases) are reviewed and their respective roles in dental tissues biomineralizations and tissue turnover are discussed. Additionally, environmental factors involved in enamel / dentin defects are adressed.

With state-of-the-art contributions from experts in the respective domains, the book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists, interested in dental and peridental tissue biomineralization. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists and clinicians working in dental research, giving them a broader view of the topic beyond their area of specialization.

The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology.

Pamela Den Besten is Professor in the Department of Orofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco.  She directs the Center for Children's Oral Health Research, and co-directs the DDS-PhD and PhD programs in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences within the School of Dentistry and the Graduate Division. Dr. Den Besten is President of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) (2019-2020), and past Chair (2018-2019) of the Section on Dentistry & Oral Health Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In 2009 she received the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award, Pulp Biology and Regeneration.  She is a AAAS honorary Fellow. Dr. Den Besten has published over 125 scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, along with 18 book chapters.  She has served on a number of editorial boards including the Journal of Dental Research, and Evidence Based Dentistry Journal, and reviews manuscripts for journals in her area of research expertise. Her research interests are focused on tooth formation, and in particular enamel and dentin regeneration and biomineralization. She is an international leader in enamel fluorosis research, and is interested in how fluoride can directly affect cell function.