Formation of an experimental dental cuticle

Slices of dental enamel, cementum and dentin, and segments of epoxy resin splints with exposed synthetic hydroxyapatite crystals were incubated in human serum overnight. Observations by light and electron microscopy revealed that a cuticular structure with staining reactions and ultrastructural appearance similar to those of dental cuticle had formed on the various surfaces. The results support the hypothesis that the dental cuticle in vivo may consist of serum components which have been adsorbed to the tooth surface as a result of gingival exudation.