SEM analysis of dental enamel morphological structures on the basis of their replicas in patients with systemic calcium deficiency

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to examine microscopically the surface of dental enamel by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), using their replicas formed in female patients with diagnosed periodontal diseases and systemic calcium deficiency. Replicas of dental enamel surfaces in patients referred for treatment of periodontal diseases were subjected to microscopic analysis. The replicas, after coating with platinum-palladium alloy, were examined under the scanning electron microscope at magnifications of 15-5000 x. Densitometric examinations of spine (L2 - L4 segment) revealed bone mineral density BMD T-score lower than -2.5 in 5 patients, in the range of -1.5 to -2.5 in 10 patients, and higher than -1.5 in the remaining patients. Non-homogenous images of surfaces in the form of light and dark areas were observed. Light areas corresponded to damaged surfaces of dental tissues. Patients with higher systemic calcium deficiency had areas lighter in color. More of these areas were found in patients with higher systemic calcium deficiency. It can be assumed that the calcium deficit is likely to appear in the selected dental tissues, particularly in the dental enamel. © 2009 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.