[Microanalysis of salivary calculi].

Eight salivary calculi were sectioned along a plane of symmetry and the sections studied by microanalysis. Three different regions were observed: a central region with one or several strongly mineralized nuclei, a stratified, less mineralized region with a lower Ca/P ratio and finally a peripheral weakly calcified region. Although inclusions with high silicium or sulfur concentrations were found in all samples, their role in the genesis of calculus is not clear. Most often filamentous mineralized bacteria were observed by scanning electron microscopy on the external stone surface.