A new Approach to the Microradiographic Evaluation of Root Surface Erosion Lesions

Abstract

Although microradiography is considered to provide qualitative as well as quantitative information about the demineralization process of root surfaces, there are several difficulties, especially when dealing with an erosive lesion type. The present study proposes a new approach to microradiographic evaluation which can solve some of the problems. A procedure for determining the position of the original surface of any erosive lesion site is presented, thereby tracking this position with an accuracy of 23 pm. Biologic variations and processing related factors, resulting in distorted surface as well as mineral profiles can be adjusted by normalizing the lesion profile with respect to the mineral profile of adjacent border fields. A routine is described by which the former is related to its pre-demineralization status.