ArticleJournal of microscopy2026
Tubule and microbranch variations in human dentine: A quantitative 3D study with serial block-face scanning electron microscopy.
Article in Journal of microscopy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The trial behind it
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- CLSM-guided imaging provides new insights into position-dependent limitations of endodontic disinfection.Clinical oral investigations · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectiveMicrobranches exist within dentine, providing a network of fluid filled connections between tubules. This study used serial block-face scanning electron microscopy to generate 3D volumes of dentine from different tooth locations, allowing for investigations of the microbranch morphology, the microbranch network characteristics and regional variations in the tooth.
methodsThree human teeth were sectioned to generate 21 dentine samples extracted from 7 identical regions of interest around the tooth. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy was performed using a pixel size of 10 nm, a slice thickness of 50 nm, and a field of view of 20.48 µm × 20.48 µm. Tubules and microbranches were automatically segmented and the following quantified: tubule diameter and density; microbranch diameter, density, and connectivity; tissue porosity.
resultsThe microbranches were successfully captured at sufficient resolution to create a 3D volume from sequential 2D images. The microbranches move tortuously through the intertubular dentine and travelled a variety of distances before connecting to other tubules. The microbranch density varied by location, with more found in areas of lower tubule density. Microbranches significantly increased tissue porosity (p < 0.001). Microbranch diameter did not vary regionally, with most approximately 140-210 nm, regardless of sample location. Tubule density and diameter varied radially-both largest closest to the pulp cavity, then decreasing to the dentinoenamel junction.
conclusionsThis study provides new three-dimensional insight into the morphology and network of the dentinal microbranch network, demonstrating a variability in the density of the microbranches with location around the tooth and a significant increase in tissue porosity.
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