Scanning Electron Microscope Studies of EDTA-Treated Enamel

Abstract
Enamel samples that were treated with EDTA for 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours respectively, were examined by a scanning electron microsope and were compared to the appearance of sound, untreated enamel. The following features were noted: a preferential decalcification pattern of EDTA on enamel prisms, characteristics of a superficial region of enamel suggestive of the "prismless" zone, differences in prisms from the striae of Retzius when compared with those in intervening areas, and enamel surface characteristics suggestive of a "coating" or cuticle resembling enamel matrix.