Methods: Human dentine samples were stored and divided into two groups. Dentine of Group 1 was assigned as the sound dentine control. Remaining Group 2 samples were immersed into 96% ethanol in solution for 30 days at room temperature. A SEM Mira//LMU, "TESCAN" was selected to generate high-magnification images of surface morphology of crystal formations on dentine surface with the ability to generate localized chemical information using an EDX system Inca Energy 350, "Oxford Instruments". Alicona MeX3D software was used to reconstruct 3D-images of crystals on dentine surface and calculate their areas. SolidWorks and Delcam PowerShape software along with a 3D-printer Object Eden 350V, “Objet Geometries Ltd” were used to generate 3D –models of the observed crystals and produce their prototypes. A single-crystal X-ray diffractometer XCalibur/Gemini-A, "Oxford Diffraction" was selected for crystal structural analysis.
Results: Laboratory experiments conducted in SSU in 2012-2013 revealed self-induced crystal formation on dentine surface that had been exposed in 96% ethanol in solution for thirty days at room temperature. Digital technologies and additive manufacturing were used to visualize 3D morphology of these formations. X-ray spectral and structural analyses were performed to identify calcium-phosphate crystals. Possible physical mechanisms of crystal growth were described and the perspectives for their directed growth on dentine substrate were discussed for marginal sealing.
Conclusion: Research findings demonstrate the possibility of self-induced calcium-phosphate crystal formation on dentine surface, which could be considered as a path to in vivo hard tooth tissue regeneration.