Surface morphology and chemical characterization of abrasion/erosion lesions

To describe the dentin surface morphology of abrasion/erosion lesions and to chemically characterize in vivo samples of sclerotic dentin.

Baseline polyvinylsiloxane impressions of eight in vivo caries-free lesions were taken. Dentin was collected from retention grooves for FTIR photoacoustic spectroscopic analysis. The cavity preparation was etched for 30 seconds with 37% phosphoric acid, rinsed, and dried. Impressions were taken of the etched surfaces. Epoxy resin dies were made of baseline and etched impressions, sputter-coated and examined at x1000 with the SEM.

Lateral dentin tubule orientation was observed at gingival margins and on occlusal walls. Open cross-sectional tubules were seen at the depth of the groove. The mineral/protein ratio in the FTIR/PAS spectra of in vivo unetched sclerotic dentin samples suggested an increased mineral content.