Major
Psychology
Anticipated Graduation Year
2022
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
The goal of this study is to determine best techniques for thin sectioning, while also examining the necessity of this destructive method. Several parameters of the thin-sectioning technique were assessed, including epoxy type, epoxy block production, and de-gassing versus non-de-gassing the epoxy. Results show that alternative epoxy types are functional (Epo-Tek 301) as long as they are low viscosity. Placing the tooth in the mold first and de-gassing the epoxy prior to curing resulted in the fewest number of air bubbles, improving the accuracy of the sawing process. In conclusion, these updated parameters are recommended for future work.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Dr. Kristin Krueger, PhD., Associate Professor of Anthropology, Anthropology Department; Betsi Burns, Director of student learning & success, student academic services; Ashley Williams, Associate director for special population, student academic services
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Assessing Methods for Thin-Sectioning Teeth
The goal of this study is to determine best techniques for thin sectioning, while also examining the necessity of this destructive method. Several parameters of the thin-sectioning technique were assessed, including epoxy type, epoxy block production, and de-gassing versus non-de-gassing the epoxy. Results show that alternative epoxy types are functional (Epo-Tek 301) as long as they are low viscosity. Placing the tooth in the mold first and de-gassing the epoxy prior to curing resulted in the fewest number of air bubbles, improving the accuracy of the sawing process. In conclusion, these updated parameters are recommended for future work.