Editorial: Expanding knowledge on mineralized tissues in dental science: enamel, dentin, and pulp tissue

The mineralized tissues of the mouth-including enamel, dentin, pulp, and alveolar bone-play essential roles in dental health and have long been central to investigations in dental research. Recently, growing attention has been paid to the interactions between these hard tissues and their surrounding tissues, offering new perspectives on disease mechanisms and treatment strategies.Regarding enamel, the classical concept of demineralization and remineralization mediated by oral bacteria, dietary substrates and saliva was established decades ago and continues to be an active focus of research. More recent advances include restorative approaches such as resin infiltration for managing partially demineralized enamel and biomimetic strategies designed to replicate the hierarchical structure of enamel.In the research on the dentin-pulp complex, insights from bone biology have contributed to a better understanding of pulpal characteristics. At the same time, the development of dental materials with improved biocompatibility and sealing ability, particularly hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials, has renewed global interest in vital pulp therapy. This renewed interest stems from growing evidence that these materials can promote favorable biological responses, such as dentin bridge formation, pulpal healing, and reduced inflammatory activity. As a result, this progress has begun to challenge the traditional diagnostic distinction between reversible and irreversible pulpitis, suggesting that these terms may no longer fully reflect current biological and therapeutic concepts.