Modified Gallego’s Stain as Differential Stain for Oral Hard Tissues in Oral Pathology: A Preliminary Report

Objectives: Differential staining of hard tissues seen in tooth, bone and pathological lesions to gain insight into their nature and also to confirm histopathological diagnosis obtained via routine staining procedures. Materials and Methods: Initially, normal (control) tissues were stained to study the staining properties of hard tissue, using hematoxylin and eosin stain (except ground section) which was followed by modified gallego’s staining of soft tissue biopsy, decalcified sections as well as ground sections. Pathological lesions containing hard tissues were also stained similarly to confirm the nature of hard tissues. Results: In a properly stained slide cementum stains red and dentine and bone stains green and enamel stains pink in color. The shade of color differs with the amount of mineralization of the hard tissues. Conclusion: Histopathological diagnosis is confirmed by Gallego’s staining, also the colors of hard tissue components in the control corresponded to those of the pathological lesions. Clinical Relevance: The stain can be successfully used to differentiate various types of oral hard tissues in oral pathology using decalcified section, soft tissue biopsies and as well as ground sections which is rarely used for histochemical stains.