Scanning electron microscopic studies of the rat incisor odontoblastema.

A scanning electron microscopic technique was used to investigate the surface structure of dentinogenically active odontoblasts. Thin pieces of rat incisors were fixed, rapidly frozen, freezedried at minus 70 degrees C and fractured to expose new surfaces prior to examination in the SEM. Differences in the appearance of odontoblastic cell surfaces were seen, with the most extensive ridge formations at the distal part of the sides of the odontoblasts. The predentine area displayed a spongy structure which contrasted to the compact appearance of dentine. Results are discussed in relation to previous studies at the light microscopic and transmission electron miscroscopic levels.