A scanning electron microscopic study on surface lesions in fluorosed enamel of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)

Scanning electron microscopy of surface enamel lesions in fluorosed permanent premolars and molars of free-ranging Roe deer revealed two types of pits. Post-eruptive lesions that resulted from mechanical stress on hypomineralized enamel during mastication were characterized by steep walls and a typical honeycomb structure on their bottom, a result of fracture of enamel rods; holes left by fractured rods were surrounded by interrod enamel. Pits of developmental origin (hypoplasias), either as shallow depressions of enamel surfaces or narrow holes running deep into the enamel, were characterized by convex, rounded walls covered by numerous Tomes' process pits. Pits of hypoplastic and post-eruptive origin were often found in the same tooth. Intact enamel surfaces of fluorosed teeth resembled that of controls.