A comparative study of various decalcification techniques

• Main Authors: Prathibha Prasad, Mandana Donoghue
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2013-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Dental Research
• Subjects: 10% formal nitric acid; 10% formic acid; 8% formal nitric acid; 8% formic acid; decalcification; Ehrlich′s stain; Perenyi′s fluid and Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra Acetic Acid; tooth and bone
• Online Access: http://www.ijdr.in/article.asp?issn=0970-9290;year=2013;volume=24;issue=3;spage=302;epage=308;aulast=Prasad
• ISSN: 0970-9290; 1998-3603

Background : Study of fibrilar, cellular and sub cellular structures of mineralized tissues is only possible after the removal of the calcium apatite of these tissues by the process of demineralization. Aims: The present study aims to evaluate six commonly used demineralizing agents to identify the best decalcifying agent. Materials and Methods: The present study included six different decalcifying solutions: 10% formal nitric acid, 8% formal nitric acid, 10% formic acid, 8% formic acid, Perenyi′s fluid and Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra Acetic Acid. eight samples of posterior mandible of rat were decalcified in each of the decalcifying solutions and subjected to chemical end-point test. Ehrlich′s Hematoxylin stain was used. Statistical Analysis Used: One way ANOVA was used for multiple group comparisons and Chi-square test was used for analyzing categorical data. P value of 0.05/less was set for statistical significance. Results: Samples treated with EDTA showed the best overall histological impression and the tissue integrity were well preserved. Formal nitric of both the percentages 10 and 8% gave fairly good cellular detail and were rapid in their action. Conclusion: The final impression led to the proposition that EDTA was indeed the best decalcifying agent available. However, with time constraint, the use of formal nitric acid is advocated.