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

The role of trace elements (microelements) in maintaining oral health has not been fully investigated and still remains the subject of research and discussion. Some trace elements contribute to the development of caries, while others, on the contrary, prevent formation of this process and accelerate the restoration of dental hard tissues. Penetration of trace elements into human dental structures via saliva, food, water and other routes contributes to the formation of carious diseases, or, conversely, its cessation and/or regression. Analyzing the studies allowed us to conclude that there is very scarce information available in the literature about the layered, zonal distribution of "vital" trace elements in healthy (intact) teeth dentin and enamel. However, to study the distribution of caries-static elements (Ca, F, P) on the enamel surface as well as in para-pulpal dentin is of great importance as well. It was aimed to identify trace elements in human teeth structures (enamel, dentin and cementum), as well as to determine their localization and concentration. To reach this objective, X-ray spectral analysis on 6 intact, extracted teeth has been performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Identification of trace elements was performed on the 6 sites/locations of these teeth: enamel surface layer, enamel thickness, enamel-dentin border, parapulpal dentin, root dentin, and cementum. As a result, it has been found that the distribution of essential trace elements in dental hard tissues is uneven, while such an important element in maintaining healthy teeth as Fluorine has been found in only minimal concentrations in hard tissues.