Comprised primarily of the inorganic mineral hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2], dentin is the portion of tooth that surrounds the pulp and is encased by tooth enamel. In addition to the hydroxyapatite, dentin consists of proteins and trace metals. Trace metal analysis of human teeth can provide important information about oral hygiene, environmental factors, and diet. For this study, dentin was separated from enamel by making use of the distinctions in dilation coefficients, as well as differences in density. Layer separation occurs, as hydroxyapatite varies in the pattern and size of its lattice structure. The metal ion content of dentin was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were comparatively examined, accounting for various influential health and environmental factors: in particular, caries and periodontal disease. Contrasting the findings with those of literature, a discussion ensued regarding the possible implications given by the presence of various metal ions in dentin.

Caries and periodontal disease: Trace metal ion analysis of human dentin using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

251st National Meeting (2016)

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