title: The effects of scanning electron microscopy desiccation preparation on demineralized dentin surfaces.
abstract: This study assessed the effect various scanning electron microscopy (SEM) desiccation preparation techniques have on a tufted collagen surface produced using an acid-burnished (rubbed) demineralization application technique. Citric acid- soaked cotton pellets (30%) were burnished on the dentin treatment region, rinsed in water, and then fixed. Four SEM desiccation preparation techniques were employed: (1) air-dried from glutaraldehyde; (2) air-dried from ethanol; (3) critical point dried from liquid carbon dioxide (control); or (4) air-dried from tetramethylsilane. Control specimens all displayed a characteristic tufted fibril surface. In all experimental groups, fibrils collapsed, forming an intact, undulating nondescript surface monolayer. All air-drying SEM desiccation preparation procedures appear to cause artifactual distortion of a tufted dentin collagen surface.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Sterrett
authors.forename: Murray
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marks
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dunlap
authors.forename: Jerilyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Swann
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schrock
mesh_terms: D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003804:Dentin / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003890:Desiccation / Q000379:methods*; D000431:Ethanol; D005976:Glutaral; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D017001:Tooth Demineralization; D014297:Trimethylsilyl Compounds
chemical_list: D014297:Trimethylsilyl Compounds; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D000431:Ethanol; C073196:tetramethylsilane; D005976:Glutaral