Nano-mechanical evaluation of dental hard tissues using indentation technique

Nanoindentation is a unique approach that can be used to measure the absolute hardness and elastic modulus of dental hard tissue. Enamel is the hardest materials however it changes from one point to the other. The objective of this study was to calculate the elastic modulus and hardness profile of dental hard tissues from various anatomical locations using nano-indentation technique. First permanent mandibular premolars extracted for orthodontic reason were used. Selected teeth were dissected transversely into disc shape sections using a 2.3 mm standard grit cutting diamond disc (ISO806104). Prepared samples were stored in deionised distilled water and tested using Hysitron [TI 725 Ubi] nanomechanical testing instrument. Data collected was used to calculate the absolute hardness and elastic modulus.