IADR Abstract Archives

Two New Methods for Evaluation of Subsurface Enamel Lesions

Objective: In evaluting enamel remineralization, it is important to clarify the junction between sound enamel and the initial subsurface demineralized lesion. Contact microradiography, commonly used to evaluate remineralization, does not show this subsurface junction clearly. We applied a dye-permeation technique and an Argon-etching technique to cross-sectioned demineralized enamel, and examined the ability of these two methods to identify the subsurface lesion. Method: Samples were prepared by immersing extracted human molars in a lactic acid buffer solution (3.0mM-Ca, 1.8mM-P, pH 4.5) to create a subsurface demineralized lesion. (1) Dye method: For stereomicroscopy, samples were dehydrated in ethanol, embedded in resin (RigolacTM), cross-sectioned perpendicular to the tooth axis using a diamond disk under a stream of water, and polished to a width of 90 mm. The samples were then dipped in acid red dye for one minute and rinsed in water before observation of the enamel surface. (2) Argon-etching method: For SEM observation, a sample sliced to a width of 300 mm was fine-polished using a ImperialTM Lapping Film (3M) under a stream of water, then dehydrated in ethanol and freeze-dried using t-butylalchol. The surface of the sample was then etched by Argon beam and SEM observation of the enamel surface conducted. Results: Both the dye-permeation and Argon-etching techniques allowed for clarification of the subsurface junction. This was due to the difference in permeation of the dye between the subsurface demineralized enamel and sound enamel and to removal of the smear layer by the Argon beam. Conclusion: In contrast to CMR, both the dye-permeation and Argon-etching techniques appear useful in clearly identifying the subsurface junction.
IADR/PER General Session
2003 IADR/PER General Session (Goteborg, Sweden)
Goteborg, Sweden
2003
521
Mineralized Tissue
  • Fujita, Keijiro  ( SANGI Co., Ltd, Saitama, N/A, Japan )
  • Kawamata, Hiroyuki  ( SANGI Co., Ltd, Saitama, N/A, Japan )
  • Ishizaki, Tsutomu  ( SANGI Co., Ltd, Saitama, N/A, Japan )
  • Hayman, R. E.  ( SANGI Co., Ltd, Saitama, N/A, Japan )
  • Uchiyama, Toshikazu  ( Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, N/A, Japan )
  • Kimura, Masaru  ( Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, N/A, Japan )
  • Kiba, Hideo  ( Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, N/A, Japan )
  • Ikemi, Takuji  ( Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Matsudo, N/A, Japan )
  • Poster
    Mineralization: Morphological/Structural & Physical Composition.1
    06/26/2003