The finer-scale crystal.
Ultra-fine crystals are studied for their interaction with microscopic surface defects and exposed dentinal tubules.
- Scale
- About 20–100 nanometers. Shown here as a single elongated hexagonal prism, much larger than life.
- Shape
- Cylinder-like, with six flat sides — the hexagonal crystal system hydroxyapatite forms naturally.
- Role
- Smaller particles are studied for their interaction with microscopic surface defects and exposed dentinal tubules.