A scanning electron microscopical study of normal and fluorotic enamel demineralized by EDTA

Abstract

Normal and fluorotic primary and permanent teeth were demineralized in 10 % EDTA at pH 7 for varying periods of time up to 4 weeks. The fluorotic teeth initially dissolved at a much slower rate than non-fluorotic specimens and appeared to contain more organic material.

After almost complete removal of the outer enamel a soft organic layer remained on the dentin surface. This consisted of a fine fibrillar mesh and some more dense material. After four weeks much of the organic material had disappeared leaving only a thin membrane on the dentin surface.