title: Understanding nano-anatomy of healthy and carious human teeth: a prerequisite for nanodentistry.
abstract: The anatomy of human teeth reflects its usage. Spatially resolved X-ray scattering permits quantitative studies of the characteristic arrangement of the anisotropic calcium phosphate crystallites and the collagen fibers within the hard tissues of the crown. The present study summarizes the distinctive nanometer-sized anatomical features of the tooth hard tissues including their interface taking advantage of spatially resolved synchrotron radiation-based small-angle X-ray scattering. The comparison of slices from eight teeth indicates a long-range organization of tooth nanostructures.
authors.affiliation: Biomaterials Science Center, University of Basel, University Hospital, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gaiser
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Deyhle
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bunk
authors.forename: Shane N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Bert
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle; D014070:Tooth / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D010710:Phosphates; D003094:Collagen