THE EFFECT OF STORAGE SOLUTIONS ON ENAMEL OF BOVINE TEETH

This study evaluated the infl uence of storage solution on bovine enamel. Forty freshly extracted bovine incisor teeth were used. The teeth were divided into four groups (n=10) following conditions, for 90 days: G1 = distilled water (control group); G2 = artifi cial saliva; G3 = 0,1% thymol; G4 = saline solution. After storage, the specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The comparative analysis of the specimens revealed a great variation in the structure pattern of the normal enamel. The immersion in artifi cial saliva caused a larger precipitation of salts in the enamel surface. Increase of superfi cial porosity, characterized by larger amount of depressions was observed in the group of the saline solution. The specimens submerged in 0,1% thymol, revealed a fl at, polished superfi cial aspect. The authors conclude that the storage solutions altered the dental enamel substrate.