Scanning electron microscopy of cusp-tip pits in developing and mature human dentitions.
A variety of cusp-tip pits were observed with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) on canines and molars of both deciduous and permanent dentitions. Larger pits or craters usually were single and funnel-shaped with a narrow 100 micron base widening to 300-400 micron peripheral opening; smaller pits were in groups. As defects occur precisely in the tips of cusps, developing cusps fetal dentitions were examined for a consistent structural pattern which could explain cusp-tip pit development.
D000375:Aging; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000196:embryology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003744:Dental Enamel Hypoplasia / Q000473:pathology*; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008963:Molar / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000648:ultrastructure