The Examination of Enamel-Dentin Morphology by Using the Acetate Peel Technique

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate dental enamel and dentine morphology by using numerous histological acetate peel sections and introduce this sectioning to the dental research committee. Materials and Methods: Three extracted human teeth were used in the study. The teeth were embedded in acrylic blocks by leaving approximal or occlusal surfaces uncovered. Flat approximal or occlusal surfaces were prepared on the teeth by polishing. After acid etching of surfaces with H3PO4 (%10) for 1 minute, the pieces of acetate film were placed over surfaces following aceton (%99) application. By regrinding the surfaces after each peel, 20 serial peels were obtained from each tooth. A total of 60 peel sections were mounted between two pieces of glass for light microscopic examination. Results: The microscopic evaluation of the sections showed that the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) had appeared scalloped on cross sections of teeth. The enamel rod configuration appeared as light and dark bands of rod groups termed Hunter-Schreger bands. The lines of Retzius were seen as incremental lines that viewed dark in preparations of mature enamel. Enamel splindles were noted as representing short dentinal tubules near the DEJ. Enamel tufts were seen as small dark brushes at near the DEJ. Enamel lamellae were observed as vertical sheets that extend from the DEJ to the outer surface. Mantle dentin was the nearest dentine layer to the DEJ. Intertubuler and peritubuler dentine were also observed at all sections. The tubules were smaller in diameter in the outer dentine than at the pulpal border. The number of tubules at the DEJ was lower than the number of tubules at the pulpal border. Conclusion: The technique enables the researchers with an easy, rapid, effective, and beneficial way of preparing sections of a tooth for microscopic examinations.