Final answer:
The deposition of minerals into demineralized areas of tooth structure is called calcification, which strengthens and repairs teeth by forming hydroxyapatite crystals within the collagen matrix.
Step-by-step explanation:
The deposition of minerals into demineralized areas of tooth structure is known as the calcification process. This process involves the deposition of mineral salts, such as hydroxyapatite, a mineral formed from calcium phosphate, into the collagen fiber matrix of the teeth. The minerals crystallize and harden the tissue, aiding in the repair and strengthening of the affected areas. In the preservation of organisms, a similar process known as permineralization may occur, where these mineral salts permeate porous tissues like bone and wood, enhancing their durability.
Decay and demineralization in teeth are typically the result of acids produced by bacteria, such as
Streptococcus mutans
, which live in dental plaque and produce acids from dietary sugars that erode tooth enamel and dentin. Over time, tartar or dental calculus can form from calcification of the plaque biofilm, necessitating dental intervention to prevent further decay illustrated in
Figure 24.8
.