Electron probe micro-analysis of human dental pulp stones

The mineral composition of ten human dental pulp stones presenting various morphological aspects has been studied by electron probe micro-analysis. The denticles were composed of two major chemical elements: Ca and P with mean concentrations 32.12% and 14.69% respectively giving a Ca/P weight ratio of 2.19 which is very close to the weight ratio of pure stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (2.15). The concentration of some other elements was much lower (0.88% for F; 0.75% for Na; 0.51% for Mg). The other analysed constituents (K, Cl, Mn, Zn, Fe) were present at trace concentrations. The mineral composition of sound human dentine from one tooth containing a pulpal calcification was also analysed for comparative purpose.