HISTOPATHOLOGY OF ENAMEL CARIES

¹ Research Department of Bayler University, College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas

The carious process first invades the prism sheaths while the prisms between appear to be intact. Later the process invades the prisms and increases their resistance to acid. In the advanced stage the prism sheaths become black in the decalcified section and finally disappear entirely, apparently being digested. The prisms remain visible, separated and no longer connected by the prism sheaths. Finally, they become necrotic too. Thus four stages can be differentiated in the progress of enamel caries: First, the organic framework is thickened; Second, the process invades the prisms making them more acid resistant while the prism sheaths turn black; Third, the prism sheaths disappear while the isolated prisms are still present; Fourth, a necrotic mass replaces the enamel structure.