[High-resolution electron microscopy of carious dissolution of enamel nano-crystals].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the carious dissolution mechanism of enamel apatite nano-crystals at lattice fringe level and the possible correlation between the carious dissolution and the appearance of central dark line (CDL) in enamel crystals.


METHODS
The body of the lesion in incipient enamel caries was observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM, JOEL-2010 operating at 200 kv), combined with selected-area argon-ion-beam thinning technique.


RESULTS
In the body of the lesion, the preferential core dissolution was found in most of enamel nano-crystals, whereas the peripheral dissolution of individual crystal could be occasionally observed. The initial carious dissolution of individual enamel apatite crystal occurred as a number of small electron-lucent spots along the central dark line with blurry, bent or disconnected lattice fringes. These small electron-lucent spots fused with each other to form large electron-lucent areas. Finally the central perforation was frequently seen in the crystals. The CDL always appeared in the same place with central perforation in carious crystals, which could be seen to extend along the CDL.


CONCLUSIONS
The initial carious dissolution is directly related to the lattice defects in the enamel nano-crystals. The preferential core dissolution can be partly ascribed to the CDL, which is presumed to be particularly susceptible area to caries.
Zhao
Wei
W
Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China.
Wang
Shuo-zhi
SZ
Fan
Ming-wen
MW
Chen
Zhi
Z
Yu
Shi-feng
SF
D003731:Dental Caries / Q000378:metabolism*; D003747:Dental Enamel Solubility; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning