Journal of Oral Science Research ›› 2019, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (10): 989-993.DOI: 10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2019.10.019

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Morphological Analysis of Dental Enamel and Root Cementum at the Cervical Region

KONG Ninghua1, SHI Shenggen2, LV Yalin1, LIU Lin1*   

  1. 1. Department of Stomatology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China;
    2. Department of Stomatology,Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center(306 Hospital of PLA), Beijing 100101, China
  • Received:2019-01-17 Online:2019-10-28 Published:2019-10-22

Abstract: Objective: To characterize dental enamel and root cementum at the cervical region of healthy human teeth by using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Methods: Sound human first premolars freshly extracted for orthodontic reasons were included in the study. The enamel surface on the buccal side of the tooth was analyzed in a narrow area, 1mm coronal to the zenith of cemento-enamel junction (CEJ). The cementum surface on the buccal side of the tooth was analyzed in a narrow area, 1mm apical to the zenith of CEJ. The value of Ra and Rq was measured. Results: The gross appearance of the cervical enamel was characterized by overlapping wave-like layers. The border of each enamel layer was highly undulated and formed in most areas a distinct rounded step towards the underlying layer. The exposed surface of each enamel layer was relatively smooth with very shallow depressions of Tomes' processes pits. The diameter of the Tomes' process pit was 4 to 6 microns. The cementum was characterized by projections above the general plane of the mineralizing front. The mean Ra and standard deviation in μm were: enamel, 0.459±0.223; cementum, 0.685±0.229. The mean Rq and standard deviation in μm were: enamel, 0.580±0.248; cementum, 0.796±0.261. There were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) among Ra and Rq between enamel and root cementum. Conclusion: Dental enamel surface and root cementum surface at the cervical region showed a clear difference in topography. Enamel surfaces were slightly smoother than root cementum surfaces. The findings from the study of the morphology of teeth gave us va-luable insights for designing percutaneous implants.

Key words: enamel, cementum, morphology