[A scanning electron microscopic study of surface layer changes in artificial carious enamel].

The present study was carried out to describe surface changes and development of pathways of caries in vitro by the scanning electron microscope. Results indicate that direct crystal dissolutions of the surface layer itself are prominent features and recrystallization phenomenon is present in different degrees. The dissolution was more severe in Tome's process pit, focal hole and opening of striae of Retzius, but less severe in inter-rod areas.