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Analyses of dental pulp in restored teeth
D L Lentz1, J T Buchanan, D R Basinger
1School of Dentistry, University of Mississippi, Jackson 39216.
Scanning Microscopy
|March 1, 1989
Summary
This study measured mercury in animal teeth after amalgam restoration. Mercury was detectable by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), peaking at seven days post-insertion.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Toxicology
- Analytical chemistry
Background:
- Dental amalgam, a common tooth filling material, contains mercury.
- Understanding mercury's behavior and potential migration in teeth is crucial for patient safety.
- Previous detection methods for mercury in dental tissues have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify mercury levels in the pulps of animal teeth following dental amalgam restoration.
- To evaluate the time-dependent mercury migration into the tooth pulp.
- To compare the efficacy of different analytical techniques for mercury detection.
Main Methods:
- Teeth from test animals were extracted at 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, and 3 months post-amalgam insertion.
- Pulps were exposed via cryo-fracturing and then freeze-dried.
- Mercury content was analyzed using energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).
Main Results:
- Mercury levels were below the detection limits of energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS).
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) successfully detected mercury in the pulp tissues.
- The highest mercury concentrations were observed in pulps seven days after amalgam insertion.
Conclusions:
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) is a suitable method for detecting mercury migration into tooth pulps.
- Mercury from dental amalgam can migrate into the tooth pulp, with peak levels observed around one week.
- Further research is needed to assess long-term mercury accumulation and potential clinical implications.