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The application of ESEM in dental materials research
A J Cowan1, N H Wilson, M A Wilson
1Restorative Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, UK.
Objectives:
To describe the use of environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) to investigate acid etching of enamel and to comment on future applications of ESEM in dental materials research.
Methods:
The acid etching of axially fractured specimens of human enamel by a 35% (ortho) phosphoric acid etchant was observed using ESEM.
Results:
Most of the etching action, as evidence by gaseous bubbling in the etchant film, was observed to occur within 10 s of applying the etchant. High magnification examination of the etched areas revealed distinct etching patterns.
Conclusion:
ESEM may play an important role in developing the understanding and existing knowledge pertaining to dynamic chemical and physical interactions between components of restorative systems and tooth tissue substrates.