Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging of Enamel versus Dentin Subjected To Critical Ph. Solution

Abstract

Introduction:

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and contains a high percentage of minerals (96%) primary minerals  being hydroxyapatite which consist of crystalline calcium and phosphate. Dentin is a specialized form of tissue that forms the bulk of teeth. AFM (atomic force microscopy) is a scanning probe microscopy.

Aim and Objective:

The aim of the study is to analyze the enamel and dentin subjected to critical pH solution by Atomic force microscopy imaging (AFM).

Materials and Methods:

Patients' posterior teeth were sampled and demineralized in a solution with a pH of 4.8, which is the crucial pH, for 48 hours. The demineralizing solution was changed out for a new one every 8 to 9 hours. Three more recently extracted posterior teeth underwent AFM, and the image was used as a reference. The teeth that had been in contact with the demineralisation  solution were imaged using AFM.

Results and Conclusion:

AFM image of pre treated posterior teeth and post treated posterior teeth is compared. AFM images of pre and post treated dentin were compared. A graph was made. The surface roughness of dentin was found out to be greater than that of enamel.