Decalcification End Point Determination by X-Rays and Flame Photometry to Obtain Superior Quality Pulpal Sections

Abstract

Radiography and flame photometry have been compared as means of determining the end point of decalcification in relation to minimizing pulp-dentin separation in histological sections of teeth. Eighteen homologous pairs of vervet monkey incisor teeth were decalcified in a formic-citric add mixture. At 24 hr intervals decalcification was monitored in half of the teeth by radiography and in the other half by flame photometry. When decalcification was complete as determined by the respective methods, histological specimens were prepared and separation at the pulp-dentin interface evaluated in hematoxylin and eosin stained step serial sections. The median separation was determined for the combined group and the median test applied. There was significantly less separation in the flame photometry group and within each group significantly less separation on the side where the knife cut from dentin to pulp.