X-RAY SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF DENTAL HARD TISSUE TRACE ELEMENTS (ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION)

Area of Science:

• Oral Biology
• Dental Materials Science
• Trace Element Research

Background:

• The role of trace elements in oral health, particularly in caries prevention and dental tissue restoration, requires further investigation.
• Existing literature lacks comprehensive data on the zonal distribution of vital trace elements within healthy human teeth.
• Understanding trace element distribution is crucial for developing strategies against dental caries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and quantify trace elements in human dental structures: enamel, dentin, and cementum.
• To determine the localization and concentration of these elements within different tooth regions.
• To investigate the distribution of caries-static elements like calcium, phosphorus, and fluorine.

Main Methods:

• X-ray spectral analysis was employed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Analysis was conducted on six intact, extracted human teeth.
• Six distinct locations were analyzed: enamel surface, enamel thickness, enamel-dentin border, parapulpal dentin, root dentin, and cementum.

Main Results:

• The distribution of essential trace elements within dental hard tissues was found to be uneven.
• Fluorine, a key element for healthy teeth, was detected in minimal concentrations across the analyzed hard tissues.
• Significant variations in elemental composition were observed across the different tooth sites.

Conclusions:

• Trace element distribution in human teeth is highly variable and site-specific.
• The low concentration of fluorine in dental hard tissues warrants further research into its role in caries resistance.
• Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the impact of trace elements on oral health and disease prevention.