Akiyoshi Funato

Scanning electron microscopic study of dentin walls of the pulp chamber by a replica technique.

Precise replicas of the pulp chamber were made with a low-viscosity synthetic resin and examined with a scanning electron microscope. As a result, it was confirmed that the pulp horns and the pulp roof were clearly observed at both low and high magnification by this replica technique. Furthermore, interesting findings were made. That is, a vessel-like linear ridge or groove, measuring 5 micron in diameter, was observed on the surface of the replica. The ridge or groove ran across the top of the pulp horn to the pulp roof in the direction of the other horns. Such a linear ridge or groove was found in 32 of 50 specimens (64%). It may be interpreted that there was a stringy structure embedded in the calcospherites beneath the predentin. However, the origin of these structures could not be determined in this experiment.