Scanning electron microscopic study for changes of collagen fibers on the denuded root surface in rats (author's transl)

Abstract

This investigation was experimentally made on the process of the bacterial plaque and the distribution of collagen fibers on the denuded root surface in rats. By scanning electron microscopy, the bacterial plaque was found on the denuded root surface and the plaque consisted of predominantly cocci and rods in 1-3 days.After 5-7 days, the bacterial plaque was dominated by coccal forms and filaments. After 2-4 weeks, the bacterial plaque was composed of cocci, rods, filaments or mixtures of a variety of morphological types. A number of globules ranging could be observed on the denuded root surface. Through continued exposure in the mouth, the number and size of the globules increased. The undulating surface of continuous plaque was formed by growth and coalescence of the globules. The plaque deposited in the collagen fibers on the denuded root surface extended to the flattened portion.I also found out the break-down of collagen fibers which had remained on the denuded root surface. The surface of the fibers on the denuded root surface under the bacterial plaque suggested calcification. These collagen fibers occurred as degeneration and combination. Such degenerated collagen fibers on the denuded root surface combined with collagen fibers of the matrix and became indistinct.