A new microsample grinding technique for quantitative determination of calcium and phosphorus in dental enamel

A new microsampling method is described for measuring variations in calcium and phosphorus distribution in dental enamel. Ten successive layers, 10 micron thick, from five human enamel posts with previously abraded flat upper surfaces were ground and analyzed. Mean Ca and P values were, respectively, 1116 +/- 110 and 527 +/- 47 micrograms/mm3, and mean Ca/P w/w and molar ratios, 2.11 +/- 0.10 and 1.63 +/- 0.08, respectively. Despite its limitations, the present method allows for accurate investigation of the mineral content in sound, experimentally-treated enamel.