Microhardness Measurements on Tooth and Alveolar Bone in Rodent Oral Disease Models

Summary

Microhardness is a mechanical property and an informative parameter for evaluating hard tissue pathophysiology. Here, we demonstrate a standardized protocol (sample preparation, polishing, flat surface, and indentation sites) for microhardness analysis in tooth and alveolar bone in rodent oral disease models, namely, dental fluorosis, and ligature-induced periodontal bone resorption.

Abstract

The mechanical property, microhardness, is evaluated in dental enamel, dentin, and bone in oral disease models, including dental fluorosis and periodontitis. Micro-CT (µCT) provides 3D imaging information (volume and mineral density) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) produces microstructure images (enamel prism and bone lacuna-canalicular). Complementarily to structural analysis by µCT and SEM, microhardness is one of the informative parameters to evaluate how structural changes alter mechanical properties. Despite being a useful parameter, studies on microhardness of alveolar bone in oral diseases are limited. To date, divergent microhardness measurement methods have been reported. Since microhardness values vary depending on the sample preparation (polishing and flat surface) and indentation sites, diverse protocols can cause discrepancies among studies. Standardization of the microhardness protocol is essential for consistent and accurate evaluation in oral disease models. In the present study, we demonstrate a standardized protocol for microhardness analysis in tooth and alveolar bone. Specimens used are as follows: for the dental fluorosis model, incisors were collected from mice treated with/without fluoride-containing water for 6 weeks; for ligature-induced periodontal bone resorption (L-PBR) model, alveolar bones with periodontal bone resorption were collected from mice ligated on the maxillary 2^nd molar. At 2 weeks after the ligation, the maxilla was collected. Vickers hardness was analyzed in these specimens according to the standardized protocol. The protocol provides detailed materials and methods for resin embedding, serial polishing, and indentation sites for incisors and alveolar. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first standardized microhardness protocol to evaluate the mechanical properties of tooth and alveolar bone in rodent oral disease models.

Introduction

Hardness is one of the mechanical properties (e.g., elasticity, hardness, viscoelasticity, and fracture behavior) and is commonly used to characterize the ability to resist compression deformation and fracture of a local area of a material. The static indentation hardness test is the most used method, including Vickers hardness and Knoop hardness¹. The Vickers hardness test is implemented by pressing a diamond indenter into the surface under a fixed testing load. The indenter is pyramid-shaped, with a square base and an angle of 136° between opposite faces. The length of both diagonals formed on the test surface is measured, and the averag....

Protocol

All procedures described in this protocol have been performed in accordance with guidelines and regulations for the use of vertebrate animals approved by the Institutional Animal Care Use Committee (IACUC) at Augusta University and at Nova Southeastern University which is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC). Note that Dr. Suzuki was employed by Augusta University where the mouse dental fluorosis experiments were completed.

1. Extraction of mandibular incisors in a mouse dental fluorosis model

1. Feed fluoride-free diets to C57BL/6 mice (5-w....

Results

Dental fluorosis model: Figure 1 shows representative μCT images of incisors in control and fluoride-treated mice. In the control (Figure 1B-D), the cervical region showed lower enamel mineral density (EMD) of 1.188 g/cm³ (Figure 1B) compared to the middle (1.924 g/cm³) and tip (1.819 g/cm³; Figure 1C,D). In the fluoride-treated ena.......

Discussion

Microhardness is performed to evaluate mechanical properties of hard tissues like tooth and bone. To date, divergent microhardness measurement methods have been reported. Most of the measurement information, especially sample preparations and the indentation sites are likely to be insufficient. This study focused on the microhardness protocol for enamel and alveolar bone in dental fluorosis and periodontal diseases models. To obtain consistent and accurate results, the critical steps in this protocol are orientation of t.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Braided Silk Suture 6-0	Teleflex
Canica Small Animal Surgery System	Kent Scientific Corporation	SURGI 5001
CarbiMet PSA 120/P120	Buehler	30080120
CarbiMet PSA 60/P60	Buehler	36080060
CarbiMet PSA 600/P1200	Buehler	36080600
Castroviejo Micro Needle hilder	F.S.T	12060-01
Epofix cold setting embeding Resin	Electron Microscopey Science	CAT-1237
Fisherbrand 112xx Series Advanced Ultrasonic Cleaner	Fisher Brand	FB11201
Fluoride-free Rodent diet	Bio Serv	F1515	AIN-76A, 1/2" Pellets
in-vivo microCT Skyscan 1176	Bruker
Isomet 1000 Precison saw	Buehler	MA112180
Lapping film 0.3µm	Maruto instrument co, LTD. Japan	26-4203	Alternative  A3-0.3 SHT, 3M USA
Lapping film 1µm	Maruto instrument co, LTD. Japan	26-4206	Alternative A3-1 SHT, 3M USA
Lapping film 12µm	Maruto instrument co, LTD. Japan	26-4211	Alternative A3-12 SHT, 3M USA
Lapping film 3µm	Maruto instrument co, LTD. Japan	26-4204	Alternative A3-3 SHT, 3M USA
Lapping film 9µm	Maruto instrument co, LTD. Japan	26-4201	Alternative A3-9 SHT, 3M USA
Leica wild microscope	Leica	LEIC M690
Metaserv 2000 Variable speed Grinder polisher	Buehler	No: 557-MG1-1160
MicroCut PSA 1200/P2500	Buehler	36081200
MicroCut PSA P4000	Buehler	36084000
Microhardness tester, ALPHA-MHT-1000Z	PACE Technologies
SamplKups  1 inch	Buehler	No: 209178
Sodium Fluoride	Fisher Scientific	S299-100
West cott Stitch Scissor	JEDMED	Cat. #25-1180
ZooMed Repti Thern Undertank heater (U.T.H)	Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.	RH-4