Scanning Electron Microscope Characterization of Erosive Enamel in Human Teeth

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the surface characteristics of erosive enamel in extracted human teeth by scanning electron microscopy. Morphologic changes in naturally eroded enamel depend on the stages of dental erosion. In its early stages, the enamel surfaces show a honeycomb appearance due to the dissolution of enamel rod ends. In its advanced stages, the erosive process involves the underlying dentin and the eroded dentin shows exposed dentinal tubules and the dentinal matrix may be exposed due to the dissolution of the peri- and intertubular dentin. Evidence of remineralization is seen at the early stage of natural dental erosion.