Correlated microradiography, X-ray microbeam diffraction and electron probe microanalysis of calcifications in an odontoma.

Abstract

Using microradiography, X-ray microbeam diffraction and electron probe microanalysis, a correlated morphologic crystallographic study was performed on dysplastic enamel in a compound odontoma. The tumor was found in the lateral incisor-canine region of the left mandible of a 36-year-old woman. A conspicuous feature was the presence of hypomineralized areas, which were situated in the proximity of enamel surface and distinctly demarcated from the adjacent enamel. X-ray microbeam diffraction and electron probe microanalysis showed that these lesions have a lower crystallinity and a higher concentration of magnesium as compared with the adjacent enamel. In addition, the present study revealed the presence of two other types of calcifications: (1) calcified structures within the fissure or on the enamel surface, which include lacunae of varying size and which resemble a form of coronal cementum, and (2) spherical calcifications which may be an epithelial product.