Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of human deciduous teeth samples

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biophysics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Human deciduous teeth analysis is crucial for understanding dental health and elemental composition.
• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) offers a non-destructive method for elemental analysis and plasma diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate plasma parameters (electron temperature, electron number density) in laser-induced teeth plasma.
• To perform elemental analysis of human deciduous teeth (enamel, dentine, cementum) using LIBS.
• To correlate elemental concentrations with tooth health and identify carious conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 10 ns) for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) on human deciduous teeth.
• Investigated plasma parameters at varying laser fluences (up to 10.5 J/cm²).
• Performed elemental analysis at a constant laser fluence (2.6 J/cm²) across different tooth parts.

Main Results:

• Plasma parameters showed dependence on laser fluence, with shielding and saturation effects observed.
• Electron temperature and number density increased with fluence up to 2.6 J/cm², then decreased due to shielding.
• Elemental analysis revealed lower Ca concentration in enamel compared to CaCO3 standards, indicating enamel's deciduous nature.
• Higher micro-mineral concentrations (Pb, Sr, Zn, Fe) were found in enamel, followed by dentine and cementum.
• Carious teeth were identified by elevated micro-mineral concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Laser fluence is a key factor controlling plasma parameters in LIBS analysis of teeth.
• LIBS can differentiate between healthy and carious teeth based on elemental composition, particularly in enamel.
• Enamel is confirmed as the most deciduous part of human teeth due to its lower calcium and higher micro-mineral content.