To provide basic informations for understanding the mechanism of de- and remineralization in the early stage of enamel caries, a scanning electron microscopic study of the enamel surface layer of artificially created and remineralized carious lesion h...
To provide basic informations for understanding the mechanism of de- and remineralization in the early stage of enamel caries, a scanning electron microscopic study of the enamel surface layer of artificially created and remineralized carious lesion has been conducted in deciduous as well as permanent teeth.
Microhardness profiles were also determined with Vickers diamond load indenting at about 25μm intervals across the cut and polished surface from the outer enamel surface.
The main results obtained wre as follows:
1. In terms of general ultrastructural features of enamel surface layer under scanning electron microscope, no significant differences were observed between deciduous and permanent sample groups, while the most deciduous samples showed the higher values in microhardenss than the respective permanent ones.
2. The characteristic findings of the enamel surface layer in the artificially induced enamel lesion group (II) under scanning electron microscope were; the slight enlargement of prism sheath, partial dissolution of prism core and the irregular pattern of surface destruction.
3. Typical pattern of incipient enamel lesion was induced artificially under the present experimental condition and considerable amount of remineralization occurred through the entire depth of lesion.
4. Remineralized enamel lesion group treated in fluoride containing RS-2 maintained overall higher values in microhardness than the one treated in RS-1 which had no fluoride in it.
5. Focal holes and enamel caps, which were frequently found both in normal and carious enamel group without any preponderance, should be reconsidered as the normal microstructural components existing on the enamel surface.
6. The surface enamel layer of incipient carious lesion cannot be considered to be intact.