Abstract
DENTAL enamel has an internal void volume of 0.2–5%1–3. The direct observation of pores in enamel, however, has been hindered by inadequate specimen preparation techniques. The harsh chemical treatment necessary to partially demineralise enamel prior to embedding and sectioning, and the chatter and shattering effects which result from cutting hard tissues, create artefactual spaces in enamel which make it virtually impossible to identify and define any natural spaces present. Attempts to cut enamel which has not been demineralised produce even greater shatter and destruction of the natural structure.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Relevant articles
Open Access articles citing this article.
-
Improved mineralization of dental enamel by electrokinetic delivery of F− and Ca2+ ions
Scientific Reports Open Access 10 January 2023
Access options
Subscribe to Journal
Get full journal access for 1 year
$199.00
only $3.90 per issue
All prices are NET prices.
VAT will be added later in the checkout.
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.
Buy article
Get time limited or full article access on ReadCube.
$32.00
All prices are NET prices.
References
Darling, A. I., Mortimer, K. V., Poole, D. F. G., and Ollis, W. D., Archs Oral Biol., 5, 251–273 (1961).
Dibdin, C. H., J. Dent. Res., 48, 771 (1969).
Poole, D. F. G., Tooth Enamel II (edit. by Fearnhead, R. W., and Stack, M. V.), 44, (Bristol, John Wright & Sons Ltd., 1969).
Phakey, P. P., Rachinger, W. A., Orams, H. J., and Carmichael, G. C., Electron Microscopy, 1, 412–413 (Aust. Academy of Science, Canberra, Australia, 1974).
Malcolm, A. S., Austral. D. J., 16, No. 5, 298–301 (1971).
Atkinson, H. F., Br. Dent. J., 83, 205 (1947).
Pincus, P., Nature, 181, 844 (1958).
Poole, D. F. G., Tailby, P. W., and Berry, D. C., Archs. Oral Biol., 8, 771–772 (1963).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ORAMS, H., PHAKEY, P., RACHINGER, W. et al. Visualisation of micropore structure in human dental enamel. Nature 252, 584–585 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/252584a0
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/252584a0
This article is cited by
-
Improved mineralization of dental enamel by electrokinetic delivery of F− and Ca2+ ions
Scientific Reports (2023)
-
Electron-microscope study of the dentine-enamel junction of kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) teeth using selected-area argon-ion-beam thinning
Cell And Tissue Research (1981)
-
Transmission electron microscopy of ion erosion thinned hard tissues
Calcified Tissue Research (1975)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.