Enamel Preservation during Decalcification Following Fixation by Some Reactive Halogen Compounds

¹ University of Illinois, Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois

The entire enamel layer of human teeth was well preserved during decalcification in 5 per cent formic acid following fixation in reactive halogen compounds, such as dichloro-s-triazine, Procion dyes, and Lissatan PR. Fixation in 70 per cent alcohol also gave good results. Components of normal and carious enamel and dentin were well preserved and irreversibly stained following fixation by the Procion dyes. This irreversible staining delineated structural components and facilitated microscopic examinations.

Other difunctional reactive halogen compounds, such as 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (FFDNB) and 4,4'-difluoro-3,3'-dinitrodiphenyl sulfone (FF-Sulfone) were employed and indicated interesting possibilities as fixatives.