Non-Decalcification Technique For Preparation Of Teeth For Histological Analysis

Background: Traditional techniques for preparation of teeth for histological analysis include: 1) Ground section of non-decalcified tooth and view by polarized light. 2) Decalcify the tooth and then section and stain as per soft tissue. 3) Cryomicrotomy - non-decalcified tooth is immersed rapidly in liquid nitrogen and sectioned with a cryostat using a heavy-duty freezing microtome. Objectives: This study introduces a new technique for histological preparation of teeth, used by geologist for mineral preparation, so that thin sections of teeth can be viewed under the microscope without decalcification. In addition the article discusses the use of tetracycline to measure tooth growth in rats. Method: Six Wistar rats were given tetracycline (Intraperitoneal dose). An incisor tooth from each sacrificed animal was imbedded in an epoxy resin and ground down to achieve a tooth slice, 30 µm thick. Results: The mean growth of teeth was 0.010 mm/day during the period of tetracycline administration and 0.016 mm/day when no tetracycline was being administered. Conclusion: This technique allowed detailed analysis of tooth growth when combined with tetracycline as marker of hard tissue growth. I would like to thank the following organizations for their financial support of this project -Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons -Rankine Memorial Foundation -Australian Dental Research Foundation