Comparison of Tooth Decalcification using Microwave & Manual Method: An In Vitro Study

In routine histopathology, decalcification of teeth is an essential and important step during tissue processing which is done by conventional method. Use of microwave oven for decalcification has been tried to decrease the time of reporting. Hence, the present study was attempted to decalcify teeth using microwave method and to compare it with conventional decalcification method. The aim of the study was to compare microwave decalcification with conventional decalcification method with respect to speed of decalcification, preservation of tissue structure and efficacy of staining. A total of 72 single rooted premolars were used for both conventional and microwave decalcification methods. Three different types of decalcifying agents i.e. nitric acid, formic acid and trichloroacetic acid each at 5% and 7% were used. After decalcification, all the teeth were examined macroscopically and microscopically. 5% nitric acid by microwave method proved to be the best decalcifying agent as it was fast, produced very minimal tissue tearing and shrinkage and gave good structural details and staining characteristics.

Dr. Archana Srinivasaiah is presently doing MDS in Oral Pathology & Microbiology from JSS Dental College & Hospital, Mysuru, India. She completed BDS from RV Dental College, Bengaluru, India in 2013. She is member of Indian Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathologists (IAOMP). She also got best paper award at 13th National Conference of IAFO.