Correlation of scanning electron microscope and light microscope findings in uninflamed and pathologically involved...

The use of the scanning electron microscope has been investigated as a modality for pulpal diagnosis. Findings in ten normal, inflamed, and necrotic human pulps were correlated with light microscope findings. Inflammatory cell identification by SEM was found to be difficult. The inflammatory cells, especially lymphocytes, appeared in varying forms in SEM. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages had similar surface structure. Degenerative changes of cells and fibers and dystrophic mineralizations were graphically depicted by SEM.