Microradiography, light and electron microscopy of the effects of calcium phosphate solutions on dentine and pulp of the ferret ( Mustela putorius furo)

Abstract

Standardized cavities were cut on the canine teeth and rinsed for 5 min with a 3mM calcium phosphate solution containing either 5 or 10 parts/10 6F. A filter-paper disc soaked in the same fluid was sealed in the cavity for either 24 h, l week or 2 weeks. Control cavities on contralateral canines were treated similarly with normal saline. Histological examination revealed no injurious effects on the pulp. Microradiography revealed mineral deposits on the floor of the cavity and an approximately 18 per cent increase in the radio-density of the surface dentine of cavities treated with the high F solution. Electron microscopy revealed occlusion of some dentine tubules by crystalline material similar to that of normal intertubular dentine. Such solutions may have clinical potential in the restoration of carious teeth in man.