Biological bases of dentin hybridization.

The aims of this study were threefold: (1) to characterize and quantify the number, diameter and surface area of exposed dentinal tubules on the cross section of the human coronal dentin; (2) to determine if any such differences in these properties arise in relation to the distance from the dentinoenamel junction; and (3) to evaluate whether such differences can influence dentin hybridization. To accomplish these aims, scanning electron microscopy comparative observation was carried out on 60 prepared human premolars, which were divided into three groups of 20 samples each. The three sample groups were cut as follows: (1) in the central fissure region, one millimeter from the enamel-dentine junction; (2) halfway between the enamel-dentine junction and the pulp; and (3) one millimeter from the roof of the pulp chamber.

Influence of different etching times on dentin surface morphology.

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of different etching times on demineralized dentin surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy and qualitative line microanalysis of chemical structure. Two sample groups, consisting of 30 first premolar teeth in each group, were established. Teeth were cut at the half-distance between the enamel-dentin junction and the pulp.

Intercondylar distances of the human temporomandibular joints.

In a sample which included subjects of the Croatian population we made measurements of intercondylar distances between the temporomandibular joints in radiographs. A total of 101 subjects of both sexes ranging in age from 20 to 80 years, mostly residents in Zagreb, were evaluated. We measured the intercondylar distances from the condyle centers in the postero-anterior cranial radiographs which had previously been examined and traced on acetate paper.

SEM analysis of tooth enamel.

SEM analysis contains researches of tooth enamel surfaces of two populations. First group of samples is tooth enamel of prehistorically ancestor from Vucedol and the second group of samples is enamel of modern Croatian citizen. Even on small number of human teeth samples from cooperage site of Vucedol (3,000 BC) and today's Croatian people, we can conclude about chewing biometry of prehistorically ancestors and today's modern Croatian people, comparing interspecifically the morphology of enamel microdefects.

Incidence and distribution of dehiscences and fenestrations on human skulls.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and distribution of dehiscences and fenestrations of the alveolar plate. The sample used in the study consisted of 163 adult jaw bones (78 maxillae and 85 mandibles) of a recent population from the north-western Croatia. The skulls are part of the skull collection of The Anatomy Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.

Metabolic unit of pulp-dentinal complex of human tooth.

The change of dentin depends on odontoblast's metabolism (synthesis and secretion), and the result of those cells activity is apposition of dentin: physiological or reactive. Odontoblasts, dentinal tubuli with odontoblastic processus and peritubular zone, they all make metabolic unit of dentin, and they are the major part of circumpulpal dentin structure. Functional activities of the tooth are the base for constant changes during the entire life of circumpulpal dentin.

Effect of unilateral function on craniofacial growth.

The present study is aimed at experimental research of the effects of functional matrices upon the formation of functional units. The sample consisted of 15 experimental dogs (five dogs per each experiment) and five controls. Three experiments were carried out: neurectomy of the right mandibular nerve, circumvention of the right nostril and enucleation of the right eyeball.