Quantitative, qualitative and topographic distribution of lead, zinc, iron and copper in hard teeth tissues

The objectives of the paper included a quantitative evaluation qualitative and topographic distribution of four microelements, namely lead, zinc, iron and copper, within enamel prisms, interprismatic region, tubular dentine, and intertubular dentine. The studies were carried out with the use of an X-ray microanalyser and an electron scanning microscope. The values of lead, zinc, iron and copper were higher in the enamel. Topographic curves for all the elements were similar within the enamel and dentin, characterized by unevenly distributed flat zero segments along with several peaks of diversified amplitude, being somewhat denser in the enamel. Qualitative distribution of the elements was also similar, and slightly denser within the enamel, the grains being unevenly scattered.