Fig. 7

HRTEM images, elemental maps and nanoindentation tests of the dentin. a HRTEM image shows the two interplanar spacings: 0.34 nm and 0.28 nm. b Remineralized dentin. c, d Elemental maps revealing the uniform distribution of calcium and phosphate of b. e Load–displacement curves show the different load forces exerted on the intact dentin, demineralized dentin and remineralized dentin at the same dent depth (2500 nm). f Hardness and elastic modulus values for the intact dentin, demineralized dentin and remineralized dentin. Both the remineralized and intact dentin exhibited much higher values than the demineralized dentin