The nano-hardness and elastic modulus of carious and sound primary canine dentin.

This study measured the nanohardness and elastic modulus- of carious and sound primary canine dentin and compared the values obtained under the lesion and in sound regions of incisal, center and cervical areas, and outer, middle and inner layers. Six extracted or exfoliated primary canines (three with dentin caries on both proximal surfaces and three sound teeth) were mesiodistally sectioned parallel to the long axis of the tooth and polished. The hardness (H), plastic hardness (PH) and Young's modulus (Y) were measured by a nano-indentation tester. Ten indentations at intervals of 10 microm on all regions, areas and layers were made using a load of 1 gf for one second. All indentations were observed using a microscope attached to the tester. All data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffe's test at p < 0.05. For sound teeth, the H, PH and Y values of the inner layer were significantly lower than the outer and middle layers in all areas. The H, PH and Y values of the cervical area were significantly lower than the incisal area in almost all of the outer, middle and inner layers. For carious teeth, the H, PH and Y values of the inner layer were significantly lower than the outer and middle layers in the center area. For the center area, the H, PH and Y values under the lesion were significantly lower than sound teeth in the outer and middle layers. Dentin under the lesion, near the pulp and cervical areas showed significantly lower nanohardness and elasticity.