Study of dentin structural features by computed microtomography and transmission electron microscopy

Dentin of human teeth is a natural composite material with a layered hierarchical structure; it is formed by micro- and nanostructures whose complex relations obey the laws not yet fully understood. In order to understand the effect of the dentin structure on its mechanical properties, a study of dentin samples prepared from human molars and subjected to a uniaxial compression was made. Synchrotron X-ray microtomography and transmission electron microscopy were employed to investigate the elements of dentin matrix and the tubules which cross the matrix. Single structural features based on the interaction of the elements, as well as the properties of the dentinal tubules, which can stop crack propagation have been investigated. A model is proposed for calculating the conditions of stopping of a mode II crack by generation of secondary cracks caused by the stresses over the surfaces of the tubules.