ZONES OF DENTINAL CARIES ZONE 1 Normal Dentin Zone 2 Subtransarent Dentin Zone of demineralization (by acid from caries) Damage to the odontoblastic process is evident. However, no bacteria are found in the zone. Stimulation of the dentin produces pain, and the dentin is capable of remineralization. Zone 3 Transparent dentin Softer than normal dentin Further loss of mineral from the intertubular area. Stimulation of this region produces pain. There are no bacteria present. The collagen cross-linking remains intact in this zone, can serve as a template for remineralization. The intact collagen of the intertubular dentin, and thus this region remains capable of self-repair, provided the pulp remains vital. Zone 4 Turbid dentin Turbid dentin is the zone of bacterial invasion Widening and distortion of the dentinal tubules which are filled with bacteria. There is very little mineral present and the collagen in this zone is irreversib...