Abstract

Human dental enamel is composed 98% by weight of small, densely packed carbonated hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystals. These crystals have an unusual morphology and often contain a “central dark line” (CDL) defect. The HAP crystals in carious enamel are preferentially dissolved at the CDL defect. Bres et al. have identified three types of disorder in human tooth enamel crystallites near to the crystal midline: a) regions of lattice buckling and departure from hexagonal symmetry, b) dislocations and c) grain and twin boundaries. Nelson et al. have obtained very clear images of planar defects, similar to the CDL defects in human enamel, at the centers of crystals of certain synthetic carbonated apatites. In this present study HRTEM images have been obtained from carious regions of tooth enamel, and an analysis of the results is attemped in the light of previous work.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.