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Comparative Study
. 2010 Jul;38(7):597-601.
doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2010.03.010. Epub 2010 Mar 30.

Variations in human DEJ scallop size with tooth type

Delia S Brauer  1 , Grayson W Marshall, Sally J Marshall
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Variations in human DEJ scallop size with tooth type

Delia S Brauer et al. J Dent. 2010 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: Recent literature suggests that the scalloped structure of the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) is critical for DEJ stability. Aim of our study was to see if there are differences in scallop size and shape with tooth type.

Methods: Enamel of extracted permanent human teeth was demineralised using EDTA. After fixation and dehydration the scallops of the DEJ were investigated in a scanning electron microscope. Scallop area and shape (circularity) were measured for molars, premolars, canines and incisors.

Results: Scallop area showed main effects for tooth type and specimen, while, due to high variability in third molars, there was also an interaction effect (repeated measures two-way ANOVA, p<0.05). Differences between tooth types were statistically significant, suggesting that posterior teeth showed larger scallops compared to anterior teeth. Differences in shape (circularity) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that teeth which are subject to higher masticatory loads (posterior teeth) show larger and more pronounced scallops. These findings might be of interest for improving other interfaces joining dissimilar materials.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
SEM image of specimen M.1 (left mandibular third molar): scallops and microscallops, original magnification: 1500 ×.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Scallop area ± 95% confidence interval for tooth types and specimens. Differences between tooth types and specimens are statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Scalloped microstructure of the enamel resin interface after dissolution of enamel. Sometimes the topography is reversed.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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