Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of the mechanical agitation‑assisted decalcification of human permanent teeth: A histological analysis
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- Published online on: September 26, 2023 https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2023.203
- Article Number: 26
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Copyright : © Shahid et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].
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Abstract
The decalcification of teeth constitutes a persistent challenge for pathology and histology research laboratories. The conflict concerning the duration of the procedure and the fineness of the sections render it fundamentally challenging. The present study aimed to introduce a novel method for decalcifying teeth using a magnetic agitator. For this purpose, 192 non‑carious premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment were collected and fixed immediately with 10% formalin. The apical tips of all the samples were removed. A total of four decalcifying agents (DAs) were selected for decalcification: 5% Nitric acid (group I), 10% HCl (group II), 10% formic acid (group III) and 14% EDTA (group IV). The samples were decalcified separately by the same solution, one with and one without agitation with a magnetic agitator. The solutions were changed daily to accelerate decalcification. The decalcification rate (DR) was higher in group I, followed by groups II, III and IV. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups as regards the DR. Agitation significantly reduced the decalcification time for all the DAs used. Tissue preservation following decalcification was sufficient with the group IV solutions, average with those used in groups II and III, and poor with the group I solutions. Tissue preservation was improved in the sections subjected to agitation than in those without. On the whole, the results of the present study suggest that 14% EDTA can decalcify at an accepted rate and provides satisfactory tissue details for decalcifying healthy premolars with an agitation speed at 100 rpm. However, further studies are required to rule out the effects of this DA on carious, malformed teeth associated with pathologies, normal and pathological bone.
