X-ray diffraction patterns in human dentin, enamel and synthetic apatites related to Zn concentration

The crystallization of human dentin and enamel containing different concentrations of Zn was studied using X-ray diffraction analysis. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Sr and Pb in the samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentration of F was assayed with a combination fluoride electrode. The increase of the Zn concentration (microgram/g) from 150 to 572 in dentin was found to intensify apatite reflections indicating changes parallel to c-axis. A slight increase parallel to a-axis (or better crystallization) of lattices was demonstrated in both dentin and enamel. The increase of Zn concentration from 164 microgram/g to 692 microgram/g in enamel weakened 002 and 112 reflections. The effect of Zn on the crystallinity of synthetic apatite prepared at 37 degrees C was of the same kind as its effect on the dentin.