Use of micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy to distinguish natural white spot enamel lesions from sound enamel in human premolars

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to develop a novel method for distinguishing white spot lesions (WSLs) from sound enamel in human premolars using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and to examine differences in surface morphology, chemical composition, and mineral density (MD) between these two areas.

Methods: Fourteen premolars with natural WSLs on the enamel surface of the crowns were examined. After sectioning the teeth, each specimen containing WSLs adjacent to intact enamel was examined for MD, surface morphology, and atomic percentages (At%) of chemical components using micro-CT and SEM/EDS, respectively. Differences between these areas of the same specimen were analyzed statistically using paired t-test.

Results: SEM images highlighted increased roughness and irregularity in the lesion area. EDS analysis revealed significant reductions in calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), and sodium (Na) levels at the lesion surface in comparison to intact enamel (P < 0.05). The decreases in the MD of the lesions were statistically significant in comparison to sound enamel (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings provide standard measurements for evaluating the essential characteristics of WSLs and intact enamel, being vital for assessment of treatment outcomes and development of innovative biomaterials for management of hypo-mineralized enamel lesions.