Ukrainian Scientific Medical Youth Journal (Apr 2016)
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUPERFICIAL LAYER MORPHOLOGY OF PERMANENT TEETH ENAMEL AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF MINERALIZATION
Abstract
Aim - to study in vitro characteristics of morphological structure of the superficial layer of permanent teeth intact enamel at various stages of secondary mineralization. M ateria ls a n d m e th o d s . Using scanning electron microscopy in vitro changes in the morphological structure of the superficial layer of 30 samples of permanent teeth enamel (premolars in 11-18 years old children) were studied. Results . On the surface of enamel immediately after the eruption numerous cracks larger than 100 microns, perikymata, which mark the border of arcade-like enamel prisms outlet can be seen. Surface is matte, rough due to a large number of shallow craters of enamel prisms outlets 2-5 mm in diameter. During intensive secondary minaralization perikymata become smoothed, the degree of haze and visual roughness decreases, cracks larger than 100 microns, a significant number of craters and scratches of enamel prisms are clearly observed. After finishing of secondary mineralization the enamel surface is the most homogeneous, uniformly shining, there are isolated cracks smaller than 100 microns. Paths of perikymata are clearly seen only an magnifiction in 1000 times. There are single craters with signs of partial or complete smoothing of surface. Conclusions . It was established that the level of mineralization of enamel surface of permanent teeth gradually increases after the eruption. Enamel of teeth that had just erupted and during intensive secondary mineralization according visually is not mineralized and therefore has insufficient caries-resistance. During this period the enamel of permanent teeth is particularly vulnerable to the action of cariogenic factors of mouth. Therefore, to prevent the destruction of dental hard tissues after the eruption of permanent teeth and during intensive secondary smineralization it is appropriate to use mineralizing medications that would increase caries-resistance of tooth enamel.
