SEM and EDS analysis of calcospherites in human teeth.

The present study was designed to characterize the morphology and composition of calcospherites in the coronal and root predentin of human permanent teeth by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Human incisors, premolars, and molars were used. The calcospherites in the coronal predentin were globular and 10-20 microm in diameter. The calcospherites in the root predentin were smaller and their shape was different. Polygonal calcospherites and stellate calcospherites were observed in the intermediate region of the root predentin. Calcospherites were rarely present in the apical region of the root predentin. Calcified matrix fibers were observed in the apical region of the root predentin. The Ca/P molar ratio in crown calcospherites (1.63 +/- 0.27) differed significantly from that in root calcospherites (1.46 +/- 0.28). Sulfur was detected from the cervical region to the root region, but not in the horn region. Odontoblast activity and the local environment of the predentin are thought to determine the shape, size, and composition of calcospherites.