[Observation and analysis of microstructure of dentin caries lesions through 3D laser scanning microscope].
OBJECTIVE
Microstructural changes in dentin carious lesions were investigated using a 3D laser scanning microscope, which has a morphological theoretical foundation in the further study of clinical caries disease prevention and treatments.


METHODS
Six fresh extracted caries molars were prepared into cross-section specimens. The sections were examined by 3D and laser measuring morphology.


RESULTS
Zones were identified in the lesions on the basis of their optical appearance. Two zones were identified in the lesions on the basis of their laser appearance. The microstructure showed that the tubular was partly closed in transparent dentin; peritubular and intertubular dentin were reduced in the zone of demineralization; peritubular and intertubular dentin were damaged and fused; a beaded sample and oval lesions formed in the zone of bacterial invasion; and abnormal dentin structure was present in the zone of destruction on the basis of their laser appearance. Four zones were iden-tified in the lesions according to their colors, as determined from their 3D appearance.


CONCLUSIONS
3D laser scanning micros-cope may be a powerful, accessible, and non-destructive technique, as it identified the lesion and tubular zones, as well as peritubular and intertubular dentin in the four zones' lesions. The microstructure of dentin caries lesions may have significant merit in the evaluation of clinical prevention and treatment.
Dept. of Stomatology, The General Hospital of Armed Police Force, Beijing 100039, China.
Xu
X
Lixia
Dept. of Stomatology, The General Hospital of Armed Police Force, Beijing 100039, China.
Xu
X
Hongmei
Dept. of Stomatology, The General Hospital of Armed Police Force, Beijing 100039, China.
Zhu
Z
Xiaoying
Dept. of Stomatology, The General Hospital of Armed Police Force, Beijing 100039, China.
Sun
S
Limei
D003731:Dental Caries; D003804:Dentin; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal
3D laser scanning microscope; dentin caries; microstructure; tubular