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The crystal structure of hydroxyapatite in dental enamel as seen with the electron microscope

1972; Academic Press; Volume: 41; Issue: 3-4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0022-5320(72)90076-7

1878-2345

Knut A. Selvig,

Dental Erosion and Treatment

Thin sections of rat incisor enamel were studied with the electron microscope. Repeating patterns of minute striations, representing the resolution of sets of lattice planes, were observed in images of individual enamel crystals. In cross-sectioned crystals, fringe patterns with 8.2 repeat period representing the 100 planes of the hydroxyapatite lattice occurred. The hexagonal packing of the unit cells in this projection could be demonstrated. Crystals oriented with their c axis in the plane of the section showed, in addition to the 100 planes, a transverse striation pattern with a periodicity of 3.4 , which was considered to represent the 002 planes. Additional spacings were observed, confirming the interpretation of the orientation of the crystals. With this, the molecular arrangement of hydroxyapatite in dental enamel has been demonstrated visually not only in a projection normal to, but also parallel to, the long axis of the crystals.