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[A method for measuring apatite crystals in human dentine by high resolution transmission electron microscopy]
Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires Des Seances De L'Academie Des Sciences. Serie D: Sciences Naturelles
|May 22, 1978
Summary
High-resolution electron microscopy reveals biological apatite crystals in dentine. In arrested caries, these crystals double in thickness while maintaining their width, offering new insights into dental health.
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization
- Materials Science
- Dental Research
Context:
- Biological apatite crystals are key components of tooth dentine.
- Understanding crystal structure is crucial for dental health and disease.
- High-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) enables precise measurement of these crystals.
Purpose:
- To introduce an original method for measuring biological apatite crystals using HREM.
- To quantify the dimensions of apatite crystals in sound dentine.
- To investigate changes in apatite crystal dimensions during arrested caries.
Summary:
- An original HREM method was used to measure biological apatite crystals in intertubular sound dentine.
- Average crystal width was 296 Å (SD: 37) and average thickness was 32 Å (SD: 5).
- During arrested caries, apatite crystal thickness doubled compared to sound dentine, with no change in width.
Impact:
- Provides precise quantitative data on biological apatite crystal dimensions in dentine.
- Reveals significant structural changes in apatite crystals associated with arrested caries.
- Establishes a foundation for further research into the mechanisms of caries progression and prevention.