What is the primary component in dentin that contributes to its resilience?

Dentin is a crucial mineralized tissue in the tooth structure, and its resilience primarily stems from its composition, particularly the presence of collagen fibers. Collagen fibers provide a framework that imparts mechanical strength and flexibility, allowing dentin to withstand stresses during chewing. This combination of mineral and organic material gives dentin its enduring properties, enabling it to absorb shock and resist cracking or breaking.

In contrast, while hydroxyapatite crystals are essential for the mineralization of dentin and contribute to its hardness, they do not provide the same level of resilience under stress as collagen does. Dental pulp, while vital for tooth vitality and sensation, is not a structural component of dentin itself, and enamel, though it is the hardest substance in the body covering the crown of the tooth, plays a different role than dentin. Therefore, the organic matrix formed by collagen within dentin is the key factor in its resilience.