Comparative and qualitative analysis of various decalcifying agents and their affect on staining and texture of the permanent extracted human teeth

Abstract

Teeth are among the hardest human tissues, because they are composed of large amounts of inorganic compounds. Teeth are very difficult to prepare for microscopic examination. Chemical Acids and chelating agents traditionally have been used to remove inorganic contents. We compared various decalcifying agents including strong acids, weak acids, chelating agents. Freshly extracted teeth were fixed and decalcified using formic nitric acid, formic acid, nitric acid, EDTA, trichloracetic acid and Perenyi’s fluid. Decalcified teeth were evaluated histologically for tissue preservation and staining characteristics. The study aimed at analyzing the rapidity and affects the tissue integrity and staining properties of decalcification of tooth with various decalcifying agents. 60 freshly extracted human teeth were divided into 6 different groups and each was treated with varying concentrations of decalcification solution until they were completely decalcified. Teeth decalcified with nitric acid solution resulted in rapid decalcification compared to other acids. Teeth treated with EDTA showed very minimal removal of inorganic content over a very long period of time. In routine practice 5% nitric acid can be effectively used for rapid decalcification of teeth in the histopathology laboratory however best staining qualities were noted among the teeth decalcified with formic acid and EDTA.