Comparison of Microwave Versus Conventional Decalcification of Teeth Using Three Different Decalcifying Solutions

BACKGROUND: In routine histopathology, decalcification of teeth is an essential and important step during tissue processing. The present study was attempted to decalcify teeth using microwave method and to compare it with conventional decalcification method. AIM: To compare microwave decalcification with conventional decalcification method with respect to the speed of decalcification, preservation of tissue structure, and efficacy of staining. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 single-rooted premolars were used for both conventional and microwave decalcification methods. Three different types of decalcifying agents at 5% and 7% were used. Decalcifying agents included nitric acid, formic acid, and trichloroacetic acid, each at 5% and 7%. About 6 teeth were included in each category and were decalcified by both conventional and microwave method. After decalcification, all the teeth were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Cramer's V-test was used to determine the statistical significance. RESULTS: The results have shown that microwave method using 5% and 7% nitric acid were the fastest. Structural details and good staining characteristics were better in teeth decalcified by 5% nitric acid and 5% trichloroacetic acid by both the methods. CONCLUSIONS: 5% nitric acid by microwave method proved to be the best decalcifying agent as it was fast and gave good structural details and staining characteristics.