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Enamel samples that were treated with EDTA for 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours respectively, were examined by a scanning electron microsope and were compared to the appearance of sound, untreated enamel. The following features were noted: a preferential decalcification pattern of EDTA on enamel prisms, characteristics of a superficial region of enamel suggestive of the "prismless" zone, differences in prisms from the striae of Retzius when compared with those in intervening areas, and enamel surface characteristics suggestive of a "coating" or cuticle resembling enamel matrix.

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The capability of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was evaluated for ultrastructural studies of dental enamel. Sound, acid-etched, and EDTA-treated enamel samples were examined, It was found that acid causes demineralization of prism cores, whereas EDTA attacks their peripheral boundaries. The scanning electron microscope appears to be exceptionally well suited for studying sound and experimentally treated dental structures.