Electron microscopy of dental enamel: Analysis of crystal lattice images

Summary Thin sections of rat incisor enamel were studied with the electron microscope. Fringe patterns having repeat periods in the range 3.1–8.2 Å were seen in individual enamel crystals. These images were interpreted as representing the resolution of corresponding planes in the hydroxyapatite crystal lattice. The lattice spacings and interplanar angles were identified by comparing the observations with available data derived from X-ray diffraction analysis.