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.

Part 1: Extracellular matrix molecules of  mineralized structures

Chapter 1: Collagen-derived mineralized structures (dentin, cementum, bone and cartilage) and non-collagenous ECM of enamel
Chapter 2: ECM- nomenclature and functions
Part 2: Collagen-derived extracellular matrix components: dentin, bone and cementum
Chapter 3: Collagenous mineralized tissues: composition, structure, biomineralization
Chapter 4: Non-collagenous ECM matrix components. Growth factors & cytokines involved in matrix mineralization
Chapter 5: Odontoblast processes: new insights into its role in dentin mineralization
Chapter 6: Small leucine rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) and Biomineralization
Chapter 7: Cementum proteins beyond cementum
Chapter 8: Biochemistry of non-collagenous proteins of bone
Part 3: Enamel
Chapter 9: Human tooth enamel, a sophisticated material
Chapter 10: Proteinases in enamel development
Chapter 11: Enamel matrix biomineralization- the role of pH cycling
Chapter 12: Environmental factors and enamel/dentin  defects.