Mineralization of human premolar occlusal fissures. A quantitative histochemical microanalysis

The mechanisms of cariogenesis in occlusal fissures remain elusive because of limited information about fissure structure and wall mineralization. The purpose of the present study was to determine the correlation between morp hological patterns in occlusal fissures in human premolars and quantitative histochemical patterns of mineralization in the walls of these formations. We used scanning electron microscopy and quantitative X-ray microanalysis with the peak-to-local background ratio method and microcrystalline calcium salts as standards. We distinguished three morphological patterns of fissu res in scanning electron microscopic images. The wall of the fissures was l ess mineralized than the control enamel in all three types of fissures. Bec ause the fissure walls are hypomineralized, we suggest that practicing dent ists should take into account the degree of mineralization when they are pr eparing the fissures for the application of sealant.