A new in vivo replica technique for scanning electron microscope study of dental plaque morphology.

For the micro-morphological investigation of soft oral tissues and deposits on the teeth in vivo, the use of an accurate replica technique is essential if the object under study cannot be examined directly. The conventional replica techniques based on resin or elastomer positive dies, have some limitations due to the instability of the sample die in the scanning electron microscope (S.E.M) conditions and artifacts induced at higher magnifications. Therefore, a new replica technique has been developed using a low viscosity impression material that is subsequently copperplated and poured with synthetic plaster. This offers a stable metal positive die suitable for direct examination in the S.E.M. without prior gold evaporation. Higher magnifications (greater than 7500) are easily obtained without the danger of artifacts. Reproduction of details is of a high order, and the reproduction ability depends only on the accuracy of the first impression. This technique offers new possibilities of discerning fine changes in surface detail in longitudinal clinical investigations.