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Published on: August 15, 2018
Evaluation and comparison of decalcification agents on the human teeth
Karpagaselvi Sanjai1, Jayalakshmi Kumarswamy, Archana Patil
1Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Vydehi Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, #82, EPIP Area, Nallurahalli, Whitefield, Bangalore, India.
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology : JOMFP
|August 28, 2012
Summary
Neutral ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) offers superior tissue preservation and staining quality for dental hard tissues, despite its slower decalcification rate. 5% nitric acid, however, showed the least consideration for tooth structure.
Area of Science:
- Histopathology
- Dental Hard Tissues
- Tissue Processing
Background:
- Decalcification is crucial in histopathology for bone and teeth processing.
- Selecting decalcifying agents involves balancing decalcification rate with tissue and staining effects.
- Rapid agents can compromise staining and damage organic components, with limited systematic studies on dental tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the decalcification rates of six agents on dental hard tissues.
- To assess the impact of these agents on tissue staining characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Six decalcifying agents were tested on 24 natural teeth.
- Agents included neutral EDTA, 5% nitric acid, Perenyi's fluid, formalin-nitric acid, 5% trichloracetic acid, and 10% formic acid.
- Decalcification endpoint was assessed radiographically and chemically, followed by routine processing and H&E staining.
Main Results:
- Neutral EDTA demonstrated the highest consideration for both soft and hard tissues.
- 5% nitric acid exhibited the least consideration for tooth structure integrity.
Conclusions:
- Neutral EDTA, while the slowest agent, yielded excellent soft-tissue integrity.
- Neutral EDTA provided the best quality for both soft and hard tissue staining.
