Abstract
Epithelial attachment to the tooth was examined by electron microscopy. The specimens were obtained from the teeth which appeared clinically free of periodontal disease. Demineralized and undemineralized specimens were used and examined in a usual way.
Between the enamel and epithelial cells, there were three layers of electron-dense structure. The Type I was approximately 0.5 micron in width. The Type II which was suggested to be primary enamel cuticle was about 0.1-0.2 micron wide. The Type III was supposed to be the enamel matrix, some parts of which extruded into the enamel as enamel lamellae. Only the Type I layer was observed between cementum and epithelial cells continuously as far as these were found, but without the portion of epithelium it was disappeared. Therefore, the intimate relationship between the Type I layer and the epithelium was strongly suggested, but further details about the Type I layer remained unknown.
Between the Type I layer and the epithelial cells, there was a clear zone, connected with half-desmosomes, and in undecalcified specimens there existed a clear line between the cementum surface and the Type I layer, while the boundary of them was obscured in decalcified specimens during decalcification process.
In the area of the cementum surface, which was not covered with epithelium, no cuticular structure was seen, and collagen fibers were inserted directly into the cementum, forming its matrix.
