Intracrystalline structure of enamel crystals affected by caries

Enamel crystals in the demineralized zones in early caries lesions of human teeth were observed by high-resolution electron microscopy. The enamel crystals frequently exhibited perforations in their centers and defects of various sizes on their lateral surfaces. There were a number of small electron-lucent spots, suggesting that the dissolution of crystals had taken place there. These spots were in especially large numbers near the central dark line. The central perforations, the lateral defects, and the small spots had a common habit which formed regularly along the crystalline a- and b-axes. In many cases, when the central dark line was seen, the perforations were located a few unit cells away from the line. The perforations seem to result from a fusion of small spots, which enlarge by involving other small spots. The lateral defect seemed to enlarge by removal of unit cells and progression along the a- and b-axes. In the regions where the small spots were present, however, the enlargement of the defects also progressed involving the spots. The central dark line seems to be rather resistant to dissolution. One of the main factors for the central perforation of the crystals is thought to be the presence there of especially large numbers of defective sites.