A SIMPLIFIED METHOD OF RECOVERING THE ENAMEL MATRIX OF HUMAN ADULT TEETH

¹ Department of Oral Histology and Pathology, College of Dentistry, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines

A method for the recovery of the enamel matrix is suggested in this report. The method does not require special preparation of the teeth prior to processing nor special apparatus for decalcification. The procedure seems less tedious and does not require longer time as compared with some other methods. In the case of fully erupted teeth, we were able to recover complete thicknesses of the enamel matrix in certain sections of the teeth as evidenced by the plaque in one side and the dentin in the opposite side. We have also succeeded in recovering a complete thickness of the enamel matrix in certain sections of embedded adult teeth as evidenced by the presence of the reduced enamel epithelium and the dentin. Sections of carious teeth were also presented showing the potentiality of the method for the study of the progress of caries in the enamel matrix. No chemical test has been applied to determine the presence or absence of calcium salts after decalcification. However, the isolation of some of the so-called enamel fibers during histologic preparation, more or less, seems to indicate their organic nature. All specimens included in this report were from Filipino adult teeth.