Electron Microscopy of Human Dentin

Abstract

It has been demonstrated previously (Pub. Health Rep. 62: 1513, 1947; J. Dent. Res. 27: 748, 1948) that, in the course of preparing collodion replicas of dentin for electron microscopy, dentinal fibers often withstand the agents used in processing, and remain in place on the replicas. By slightly changing the procedures in pre-etching specimens and in the dissolution of the slabs of dentin from the replicas, it has been possible to study further the fibrous components of dentin. Electron micrographs are presented which show the large, thin-walled dentinal (Tomes'') fibers, collagenous fibrils of the matrix and very fine fibers of unknown character.