Surface structural alterations in the enamel of deciduous teeth with and without root resorption

Abstract

I studied surface structural differences in the enamel of deciduous teeth. Specimens 3 mm in diameter were prepared from two types of extracted human deciduous teeth using a hollow core drill. One group had complete roots without any resorption, and the other had roots that were completely resorbed. The enamel surfaces were highly polished using standard methods. The samples were observed by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and were then cut perpendicularly with a saw for SEM observation. It was possible to observe the surface structure of both types of enamel at the cryatal level, and lesions could be formed in vitro for both. Enamel crystals on the polished surface of the teeth without root resorption were larger than those of teeth with root resorption. Subsurface lesions of teeth without root resorption were different from those with complete root resorption.