Surface Ultrastructure of Unerupted Mature Human Enamel

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Abstract
The surface structure of mature enamel in unerupted human molars was examined in the scanning electron microscope electron microscope after exposure to a variety of preparational techniques. Final enamel formation was associated with more extensive developmental disturbances in the supracervical and central parts of the surfaces as compared to the cervical surface enamel. These disturbances included micropores, thin irregular fissures with rounded borders, highly irregular and porous Tomes'' processes pits and enamel caps and protrusions and made the tooth surface very susceptible to preparational damage. Thus, dehydration with severe shrinkage, critical point drying or freeze drying techniques eventually preceded by sodium hypochlorite and ultrasonic treatment induced a variety of focal holes including intermediate forms between enamel caps and true holes. Human enamel at the time of eruption is highly porous with a variety of established diffusion pathways into the surface enamel. These findings should be taken into account when surface features, observed in erupted teeth of unknown origin and age are to be interpreted.

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