A scanning electron microscopic study of early subsurface bacterial penetration of human molar-fissure enamel.
Cross-sections of occlusal fissures in clinically-sound, partly-erupted human third molars were examined using scanning electron microscopy. In several specimens, microbes had invaded enamel under an apparently intact enamel surface and formed colonies within the prism structure. Bacteria were located also between enamel prisms. In some samples, colonies were observed in dentine. Most of the organisms were rod-shaped or filamentous. The results indicate that plaque bacteria can invade enamel before initiation of caries is clinically observable.
D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000382:microbiology*; D003804:Dentin / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008964:Molar, Third