PENETRATION OF PHENOL IN TOOTH STRUCTURE

¹ School of Dental and Oral Surgery, Columbia University, New York, N. Y.

1. The penetration of phenol through tooth structure has been proved by (a) the positive bromine water test and (b) the use of eosin Y as a tracing agent. 2. In vitro experiments showed the penetration from the pulp canal through the dentin and cementum to the surface. 3. In vitro and in vivo tests illustrate that phenol will penetrate from the base of a cavity to the pulp, following the curvature of the dentinal tubules. 4. Metamorphosed dentin is impermeable to phenol. 5. The effect of phenol on the pulp tissue has been shown by means of photomicrographs of experimental and control cases.