MicroCT study on the enamel mineral density of primary molars

Authors

  • MEC Elfrink Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam
  • K Kalin Dentist in different practices, The Netherlands. Former student at Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam
  • LJ vanRuijven Department of Functional Anatomy, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, MOVE Research Institute, Amsterdam
  • JM tenCate Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam
  • JS Veerkamp Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2016.1.10

Keywords:

Caries, Enamel, microCT, Primary dentition

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this study is to report on the mineral density of the enamel of primary molars related to the age of the child and to compare the mineral density of sound and carious enamel in those molars. METHODS: This study included 23 children and 41 extracted primary molars. The primary molars of 21 children met all of the inclusion criteria, and these were studied and scanned using microCT. The teeth were embedded in Impregum (3M ESPE) and stored in a solution of tap water with thymol crystals. Sixteen primary molars from 7 children were used to compare the mineral density in sound and carious areas, and 13 primary molars from 11 children were used for the comparison between mineral density and time in situ. CONCLUSION: Local and general differences in enamel mineralisation are presented. Post-eruptive maturation seems to be present not only in permanent teeth but also in primary molars. Carious enamel has significantly less mineral density than clinically sound enamel.