Scanning Electron Microscopy in modern dentistry research

Thaís Cachuté Paradella,Marco Antonio Bottino

doi:10.14295/bds.2012.v15i2.798

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to review the usage of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in dentistry research nowadays, through a careful and updated literature review. By using the key-words Scanning Electron Microscopy and one of the following areas of research in dentistry (Endodontics, Periodontics and Implant), in international database (PubMed), in the year of 2012 (from January to September), a total of 112 articles were found. This data was tabled and the articles were classified according to the usage of SEM (magnification and type of detector) and if this information was obtained either in the summary or only in the full-text article. A critical review was also performed, with new guidelines regarding the usage of SEM in modern dentistry research.

Highlights

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has been a useful tool in research for quite some time, with articles being published using SEM in dentistry since 1962 [1]
Most research laboratories in universities have their own scanning electron microscope and the SEM allows the visualization of images at high technique, an electron beam scans the surface of the sample to produce a variety of signals, the characteristics of which depend on many factors, including the energy of an electron beam and the nature of the sample, since a beam of electrons hit the sample and the response is collected by a detector, as described by Saghiri et al [2]
The most common detectors used in SEM are secondary electron detectors (ETD - EverhartThornley Detector or SE1/SE2 in high-vacuum or LFD - Large-Field Detector, in low-vacuum) and back-scattered electron detector (BSED)

Summary

Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura na pesquisa odontológica moderna

Thaís Cachuté PARADELLA DDS - PhD in Oral Biopathology - Master in Restorative Dentistry - Responsible for Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis - School of Dentistry of São José dos Campos - UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista - São José dos Campos - SP - Brazil. Marco Antônio BOTTINO Chair of Implant and Fixed Prosthodontics - Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics - School of Dentistry of São José dos Campos - UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista - São José dos Campos - SP - Brazil.

INTRODUCTION

Critical review

Number of articles