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The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the detailed histopathology of naturally occurring root caries. Fifty extracted human teeth exhibiting some degree of root caries were sectioned longitudinally and examined with transmitted light, polarized light and microradiography. The occurrence of the histological zones of dentinal caries was tabulated and revealed a lesion body in all cases. Light microscopy showed the same basic features as microradiography and was most useful when the sections were imbibed in quinoline. A structureless area below the main body of the lesion was observed in 77% of the cases when using quinoline. This fluid more clearly defined the extent of the lesion and may show a "phenolic reaction" when using polarized light microscopy. Partial radiopaque surface layers were observed in almost 80% of the sections. This study has described the detailed histopathology of root caries, and aids in the development of model systems to evaluate this emerging dental health problem.

This study investigates enzyme degradation of collagen at various pH levels and is designed to obtain information pertaining to the effect of proteolytic enzymes on caries-like lesion formation and progression. One hundred and eight sections of human teeth with exposed areas on enamel and root face, were placed into an enzyme/buffer system maintained at pH levels of 4.0, 5.5 and 7.0. Periodically, throughout the experimental period, sections were removed and examined histologically for caries-like lesion formation. Results showed consistent surface erosion occurring on the root face only at a pH level of 5.5 in buffer containing enzymes. Sections placed in pH 5.5 buffer only, which served as controls, showed obvious lesion formation on the root face, but with histologically intact surfaces. This interaction occurring between enzymatic activity and acid demineralization suggests that enzymes may have a contributory effect on caries lesion formation in root surfaces.