Objectives: Stereomicroscopy allows a three-dimensional study of the images and of laterality at superior quality in
comparison with other methods. Those advantages are given by the large examination fields and the wide work
distances. The adding of the clinical and morphological data at the results gathered with stereomicroscopy and the stereo
micrometry is useful in order to appreciate the deepness and the widening of the carious process, and the necessity to
reconsider the therapeutically strategy.
Materials and methods: During 2009-2011 the study material was represented by 10 surgically removed impacted third
molars, and by 20 premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes, with closed and macroscopically apparently integer
surfaces. 13 premolars with different degrees of carious affectation and periodontal lesions, which were surgically
extracted without trauma, were also selected. The in situ measurements at the occlusal site were realized through the
utilization of a fluorescent laser device - DIAGNOdent. The basic principles in stereomicroscopy stood at the base of the
obliquely and circularly coaxial illumination techniques, one with optical alignment adjustment of the optical microscope
and mechanical adjustment for the optimal illumination and micrometry. The Olympus Microscope SZ ×7 and an
Olympus camera with 2,5 × digital zoom and a 3× optical zoom has been used to study the samples in stereomicroscopy
and through polarized light it.
Results: The DiagnoDent measured the following data: out of 43 apparently healthy teeth, 18 presented values between 2
and 13 (D1), 13 showed values between 14 and 24 (D2), 12 measured values over 24 (D3). After the histological
examination in stereomicroscopy and in the polarized light: 25 teeth were healthy, 10 presented caries extended in dental
enamel and 8 presented dentinal caries. Stereomicroscopy has allowed the morphological study, the color absorption, the
appreciation of the lesions' deepness and substance loss that is very useful in grading the progression of the carious
lesion.
Conclusions: The stereomicroscopic study correlated with clinical and morphological data allowed to appreciate the
extent of tissue involved in the carious process, but also the understanding of the enamel, dentine and cement matrix
demineralization process, in proximity with the morpho-embryological markings of the human tooth structure.
|