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Pattern of Mineralization
These diagrams indicate enamel mineralization patterns. Mineralization starts in the oldest enamel (tip of cusp) and proceeds in 2 general directions: spreading down along the D-E junction and progressing toward the enamel surface. If the tooth is a multicuspid, enamel formation starts at the tip of each cusp, spreads down and fuses at the base of the cusps in the regions of pits and fissures in the occlusal surface of tooth. Blue represents mature enamel and pink represents immature enamel. Note that maturation begins before the final thickness of the enamel has been completed.
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Lecture Notes
