Decalcification: A Simpler and Better Alternative.

ABSTRACT

Background: Decalcification of calcified tissues plays an important part in histological techniques. However, as it often takes a long time and some procedures decrease the staining qualities of the specimen, many attempts have been made to find methods for accelerating this procedure and ensuring good staining properties. One of the factors that regulates decalcification is temperature. Controlled increase of temperature yields decalcification at a faster rate and also retains the basic molecular arrangement. The aim of the study is to formulate a simpler and better alternative for conventional decalcification. Methods: Thirty freshly extracted periodontally compromised molar teeth without evidence of dental caries were used for decalcification in three groups. In each group 10 teeth were used. Group A 5% HNO3 was used. Group B 10% HNO3 and 10% formalin was used. Group C 10% HNO3 and 20% formalin was used. A constant temperature of 55⁰C was maintained. Complete decalcification was checked using X-ray method. The teeth were sent for routine processing and stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin. Results: Decalcified teeth of Group C containing 10 % HNO3 and 20% formalin proved to be advantageous completing decalcification faster among the 3 groups while maintaining good tissue details. Conclusion: In the present study, it was observed that, regardless of the employed fixative solution, preservation of pulp architecture was best, when a combination of 10% HNO3 and 20% formalin was used as a decalcifying agent.