Odontoclast

The resorption of dental hard tissue is achieved by cells with a histologic nature similar to that of osteoclast, but because of their involvement in the removal of dental tissue, they are called odontoclasts. Odontoclasts are derived from the monocyte and migrate from blood vessels to the resorption site, where they fuse to form the characteristic multinucleated odontoclast with a clear attachment zone and ruffled border. These are most commonly formed on root surfaces in relation to the advancing permanent tooth; however, they have also been described in the root canals and pulp chamber of resorbing teeth lying against the predentin surface.