A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Progressive Stages of Enamel Caries in vivo

Abstract

The present study was carried out to describe surface changes in the scanning electron microscope as related to different periods of carious dissolution in vivo. To ensure accumulation of microbial plaque, orthodontic bands with a standardized buccal space were placed for periods of 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks on permanent premolars prior to extraction. Examinations in polarized light disclosed a gradual development of a subsurface lesion over time. In the SEM direct dissolution of the surface itself was a prominent feature at all stages of lesion development causing a universal enlargement of intercrystalline spaces. Results indicate that enlarged intercrystalline pathways provide the most important routes for the transport of minerals out of the enamel. The relative protection offered to the outermost crystals at any stage of lesion formation may be an indication of inhibitors acting at the plaque/enamel interface and/or calcium and phosphate present in the plaque.

Microstructural analysis of demineralized primary enamel after in vitro toothbrushing

“…Although enamel caries is considered a subsurfacial lesion, as observed in polarized light microscopic studies 6,15 , correlated SEM studies show that together with subsurfacial porosity there is an intense dissolution of the outer enamel surface 11,14 . In fact, according to Thylstrup et al enamel is enhanced by the irregular surface generated by direct erosion of the enamel surface, giving rise to a diffuse back-scattering of light.…”

“…The morphology of the enamel affected by each of these factors is characterized by direct dissolution and roughness of the outer surfaces 3,14 .…”

Dynamic measurement of the optical properties of bovine enamel demineralization models using four-dimensional optical coherence tomography

“…Transverse microradiography has been used to assess lesion depth and mineral density, 5 along with microhardness 6,7 testing and scanning electron microscopy for evaluating structural changes that occur during demineralization. 8 X-ray microtomography has provided quantitative high-resolution three-dimensional (3-D) mapping of dental lesions 9 and mineral density. 10 These laboratory techniques have contributed to both the understanding of dental lesions and the development of oral healthcare treatments.…”

Efeitos do extrato de própolis e do óleo de melaleuca na formação do biofilme e na desmineralização dental: estudo in situ

“…A frequência do uso da sacarose foi estabelecida em 4 vezes ao dia, uma vez que, em 14 dias de desafio cariogênico, já é possível obter um grau de desmineralização do esmalte, em dente, visto clinicamente como mancha branca ativa 22,23 . Cury 23 , seguindo uma metodologia semelhante a esta, mostrou que os blocos de esmalte apresentaram mancha branca visível quando expostos 4 ou 8 vezes por dia ao desafio cariogênico, mesmo em indivíduos com acesso a água fluoretada.…”