MECHANISM OF DENTAL CARIES

我们设计了一个体外实验模型和一个超微结构检测系统， 分析，允许直接实验测量的许多 与龋病发作相关的理化参数。 该模型是 一个搪瓷部分粘在一边的玻璃板，并在 另一侧到100微米玻璃皿，以这样的方式， 牙齿的自然表面暴露。 显微威尔斯孔，20 - 150微米 直径，钻过盘子，进入声音和龋齿 的区域。 各种酸的搪瓷饱和溶液是 然后沉积在威尔斯井中，水饱和的矿物油，保持在 一个固定的二氧化碳分压，被倒入盘中，以防止 蒸发 在用同样的方法平衡切片一周后， 饱和溶液，与釉质表面接触的溶液是 变成相同酸的不饱和溶液。 所述组合物 的溶液中的威尔斯和膜电位发展从 然后，作为时间的函数， 离子选择性微电极和微量比色技术， 设计了。 通过使用这些技术，我们获得了 关于龋齿机制的实验信息，（1）提供了一个 所有模型中必须考虑的一组边界条件 过程，（2）指向程序，通过该程序， 被逮捕或推翻。 本研究的目的是：（1） 用系统的方法描述衰变过程的基本特征， 包括在我们的实验系统的各种因素有关的 口腔情况;（2）使用我们的模型，在一个模拟的衰减过程 这类似于体内的情况，因此， 将监测去矿化和病变的反应;以及（3） 为牙科研究设计新的超微技术。

We have devised an in vitro experiment model and a system of ultra micro analysis that permits direct experimental measurement on many of the physicochemical parameters relevant to caries attack. The model consists of an enamel section cemented on one side to a glass plate, and on the other side to a 100 micron glass dish, in such a way as to leave the natural surface of the tooth exposed. Microscopic wells, 20 to 150 microns in diameter, are drilled through the dish and into sound and carious regions of the enamel. Enamel saturated solutions of various acids are then deposited in the wells, and water-saturated mineral oil, maintained at a fixed CO2 partial pressure, is poured into the dish to prevent evaporation. After equilibration of the section for a week with this same saturated solution, the solution in contact with the enamel surface is changed to an undersaturated solution of the same acids. The composition of the solution in the wells and the membrane potentials developed from the well to the outside solution are then followed as a function of time with ion selective micro electrodes and microcolorimetric techniques which we have devised. We have, through the use of these techniques, obtained experimental information about the mechanism of caries which (1) provides a set of boundary conditions that must be considered in all models of the process, and (2) points toward procedures by which the demineralization may be arrested or reversed. The goals of the research are: (1) to characterize the basic features of the decay process with a systematic inclusion in our experimental system of various factors relevant to the oral situation; (2) to use our model, in a simulation of the decay process which resembles the in vivo situation, so that both the driving force for demineralization and the response of the lesion will be monitored; and (3) to device new ultramicro techniques for dental research.