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FE-SEM Evaluation of Dental Specimens Prepared by Different Methods for In Vitro Contamination
Vitor Cesar Nakamura1, Simony Hidee Hamoy Kataoka, Giulio Gavini
1Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
International Journal of Dentistry
|April 17, 2012
Summary
Different dental sample preparation methods were evaluated for cleanliness and dentinal alterations using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). A specific protocol showed minimal dentinal changes and effective organic waste removal, suitable for microbiological studies.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Microscopy techniques
- Biomaterials engineering
Background:
- Effective dental sample preparation is crucial for accurate analysis in endodontic research.
- Understanding the impact of different cleaning and irrigation solutions on dentinal morphology is essential.
- Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) provides high-resolution imaging for evaluating surface topography and cleanliness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of various dental sample preparation methods.
- To assess the degree of cleanliness achieved by different protocols.
- To evaluate the extent of dentinal alterations induced by distinct preparation techniques.
Main Methods:
- Human single-rooted teeth were prepared using five different methods, including variations in irrigation solutions (sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl], ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA]) and ultrasonic activation.
- Specimens were analyzed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) at 1500x magnification.
- Data on cleanliness and dentinal alterations were qualitatively analyzed using a scoring system and statistically evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Main Results:
- The control group exhibited the least cleanliness, while Group 4 (EDTA + NaOCl, 3 min ultrasonic) showed the highest cleanliness.
- Group 1 (cement removal, NaOCl + EDTA irrigation) presented the most significant dentinal alterations.
- Group 4 demonstrated the least dentinal morphological alterations among the tested groups.
Conclusions:
- The tested protocol, involving EDTA and NaOCl with ultrasonic activation, effectively removed organic waste while minimizing dentinal morphological alterations.
- This method is suitable for subsequent microbiological contamination studies due to its balance of cleanliness and preservation of dentinal structure.
- FE-SEM analysis is a valuable tool for assessing the microstructural effects of dental sample preparation techniques.
